This article is based on an official press release from KULR Technology Group, Inc. and Robinson Helicopter Company.

On March 26, 2026, KULR Technology Group and Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC) announced a strategic co-development collaboration aimed at advancing Electric-Aviation. According to the official press release, the partnership will focus on developing a next-generation, high-performance battery system for the eR66, a battery-electric demonstrator variant of Robinson’s widely used R66 turbine Helicopters.

Under the new agreement, KULR will serve as the battery architecture co-developer for the eR66 platform. The Houston-based technology company will design and integrate a lightweight battery system utilizing its proprietary thermal management and safety technologies, which were originally developed for human-rated spaceflight applications. The companies have targeted late 2026 for their initial program milestones.

The collaboration seeks to drive critical improvements in energy density and thermal stability while establishing a domestic supply chain for electric aviation components. By leveraging RHC’s Manufacturing capabilities in Torrance, California, and KULR’s engineering operations in Texas, the initiative aims to support the broader decarbonization of the aerospace sector.

The eR66 Program and the Pragmatic Path to Electric Flight

Retrofitting a Proven Platform

The eR66 project represents a distinct approach to electric aviation. Rather than building an entirely new eVTOL aircraft from the ground up, RHC is retrofitting its standard R66, a light, gas-turbine helicopter introduced in 2012 that has seen over 1,500 units built to date, according to industry research data. By utilizing an already FAA-certified airframe, RHC intends to bypass many of the infrastructure and supply chain hurdles currently facing novel eVTOL Startups.

This development builds upon RHC’s ongoing electrification efforts. Industry reports note that in July 2025, RHC announced a joint agreement with electric propulsion company magniX to provide the HeliStorm electric engine and Samson batteries for the eR66 demonstrator. The March 2026 agreement brings KULR into the fold specifically to design the lightweight integration and safety protocols required to make the battery system viable for rigorous flight conditions.

While the standard gas-turbine R66 boasts a range of approximately 650 kilometers, research estimates place the eR66’s range at around 185 kilometers. RHC leadership has indicated that this shorter range is highly adequate for targeted, short-haul missions.

Space-Grade Safety for Aviation Batteries

KULR’s Thermal Management Expertise

Balancing high energy density with low weight remains the primary engineering challenge in electric aviation, particularly concerning thermal runaway, a critical safety risk where battery cells overheat and catch fire. To address this, KULR is implementing its KULR ONE platform. According to company data, this architecture utilizes fibercore flame arrestors, ablative shielding, and sidewall rupture protection to ensure fail-safe operations.

In the press release, KULR CTO Dr. Will Walker emphasized the importance of their engineering background in overcoming these hurdles.

“Our engineering team’s extensive background in designing fail-safe batteries for human rated applications will be critical to achieving the rigorous performance and Certification goals,” Walker stated in the release.

KULR, which currently holds a market capitalization of approximately $114 million and has reported 72% revenue growth over the trailing twelve months according to recent financial data, brings NASA-qualified technology to the commercial rotorcraft sector. KULR CEO Michael Mo noted that their battery systems were designed from day one for dual use, proving their architecture’s viability in rotorcraft.

Targeting Specialized Missions and Sustainability

Organ Transport and the Circular Economy

A primary focus for the eR66 is high-demand, short-haul applications such as rapid organ and tissue transport. In Emergency Medical Services (EMS), speed is critical, but noise and emissions often restrict traditional helicopter operations in dense urban environments. By eliminating the Rolls-Royce gas turbine, the electric powertrain is expected to cut up to a third of the aircraft’s noise, specifically the high-pitch turbine whine.

David Smith, who became President and CEO of RHC in February 2024, highlighted the operational benefits of the electric variant in the company’s announcement.

“For use cases like rapid organ and tissue transport, the reduced acoustic signature and zero-emission profile ensure that time-sensitive, low-emission deliveries are faster, quieter, and more sustainable,” Smith said.

Beyond zero-emission flight, the partnership is also pioneering circular economy principles in aviation. The companies announced plans to develop “second life” applications for the battery systems post-flight. This means the batteries are designed for a primary flight cycle in the eR66, followed by a certified second life in other applications, thereby maximizing the lifecycle of the hardware and reducing environmental waste.

AirPro News analysis

We view the RHC and KULR collaboration as a highly pragmatic counter-narrative to the current eVTOL hype cycle. While billions of dollars are being poured into uncertified, ground-up air taxi designs that require entirely new infrastructure, RHC is leveraging the world’s most popular civil helicopter platform. By electrifying the R66, operators will be able to utilize existing helipads, established pilot training frameworks, and current maintenance networks. Furthermore, bringing in KULR to adapt NASA-grade thermal shielding directly addresses the FAA’s stringent safety concerns regarding lithium-ion battery fires in aviation. If successful, this retrofit model could offer a significantly faster and more capital-efficient path to market for commercial electric flight than clean-sheet eVTOL designs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the eR66?

The eR66 is a battery-electric demonstrator helicopter based on Robinson Helicopter Company’s proven R66 gas-turbine platform. It is designed to offer reliable, low-noise, and zero-emission performance for short-haul flights.

What is KULR’s role in the partnership?

KULR Technology Group is serving as the battery architecture co-developer. They are responsible for designing and integrating a lightweight, high-performance battery system that utilizes their proprietary thermal management and safety technologies to prevent thermal runaway.

When will the eR66 reach its first milestones?

According to the joint press release, the companies are targeting late 2026 for their initial program milestones.

Sources: KULR Technology Group and Robinson Helicopter Company Press Release

This article is based on an official press release from AIR.

AIR Surpasses $1 Billion in Orders for Smart Aircraft and eVTOLs

Smart aircraft manufacturer AIR has officially surpassed $1 billion in orders, signaling strong market interest in its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles. According to a company press release, the Israel-based firm has accumulated a waitlist of more than 3,300 customers, with many having already placed deposits for future deliveries.

The milestone highlights the growing demand for next-generation air mobility solutions across personal, commercial, and defense sectors. AIR reported over $35 million in booked revenue to date, which the company attributes primarily to the sale and delivery of its Heavy-Lift unmanned aerial systems (UAS), alongside mobile ground control stations, parts, and servicing packages.

As the eVTOL industry moves closer to widespread commercialization, AIR is positioning itself to capitalize on emerging regulatory frameworks. The manufacturer noted that its flagship personal aircraft, the AIR ONE, is currently being considered under the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certificates (MOSAIC) framework as a Light Sport Aircraft (LSA).

Breaking Down the $1 Billion Order Book

The bulk of the company’s billion-dollar backlog stems from its consumer-focused model. In its official announcement, AIR detailed that 3,290 of the orders are for the AIR ONE personal aircraft. This two-seat, fully electric eVTOL is designed for private use and boasts a projected range of 100 miles.

According to the manufacturer’s specifications, the AIR ONE can reach speeds of up to 155 miles per hour and carry a payload of up to 550 pounds. The company stated that these personal aircraft orders will be fulfilled once FAA certification is secured and mass production begins. The aircraft also features redundant safety layers, an airframe parachute system, and “Fly-By-Intent” flight control technology.

Commercial and Heavy-Lift UAS Progress

Beyond personal mobility, AIR is also seeing traction in the commercial and logistics space. The press release indicated that the company has secured more than 25 orders for its AIR Cargo heavy-lift UAS, with two units already delivered to customers.

The cargo variant features a 70-cubic-foot cargo bay and matches the personal model’s 550-pound payload capacity. AIR confirmed it has an active production line for the heavy-lift aircraft and anticipates producing and delivering more than 20 additional units this year.

Recent Milestones and Strategic Partnerships

The surge in orders follows a series of strategic and financial developments for the eVTOL developer. In July of last year, AIR closed a $23 million Series A funding round led by Entrée Capital, with participation from early backer Dr. Shmuel Harlap.

Furthermore, the company announced in September that its latest U.S.-based prototype had received an FAA Experimental Airworthiness Certification. These regulatory and financial steps are crucial as the company transitions from prototyping to scalable manufacturing, supported by partnerships with the U.S. Air Force’s Agility Prime program, ST Engineering, Nidec Motors, and EDAG.

“Our mission is to make air mobility accessible and routine, while bridging personal, commercial, and defense transportation and operations,” said Rani Plaut, CEO and Co-Founder of AIR, in the press release.

AirPro News analysis

The announcement of $1 billion in orders is a significant indicator of consumer and commercial appetite for eVTOL technology. However, as with many advanced air mobility startups, the transition from pre-orders to delivered, certified aircraft remains the ultimate hurdle. The fact that AIR is already generating real revenue, $35 million booked from its heavy-lift UAS and support systems, sets it apart from competitors that rely entirely on future passenger operations.

By targeting the Light Sport Aircraft category under the FAA’s MOSAIC framework, AIR may find a more streamlined path to market for its personal vehicles compared to the rigorous commercial passenger certification processes faced by air taxi operators. We will continue to monitor their production ramp-up, particularly whether they can meet their goal of delivering more than 20 cargo units this year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the AIR ONE?

The AIR ONE is a two-seater, fully electric eVTOL designed for personal use. According to the manufacturer, it features a 100-mile range, speeds up to 155 mph, and a 550-pound payload capacity.

How much revenue has AIR generated?

The company reported over $35 million in book revenue, driven largely by its Heavy-Lift UAS deliveries, mobile ground control stations, parts, and servicing packages.

Has the FAA certified AIR’s aircraft?

In September, AIR’s U.S.-based eVTOL prototype received an FAA Experimental Airworthiness Certification. The AIR ONE is also being considered within the Light Sport Aircraft category under the FAA’s MOSAIC framework.

Sources

• AIR Press Release

This article is based on an official press release from Beyond Aero.

French hydrogen aviation startup Beyond Aero has reached a critical design milestone for its upcoming hydrogen-electric business jet, signaling a maturation in both its supply chain and engineering efforts. In a recent company press release, the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) detailed its progress in aircraft development and the parallel rollout of necessary ground infrastructure.

The transition to hydrogen propulsion represents a major shift for the aviation industry, requiring not just new aircraft architectures but entirely new fuel ecosystems. We are seeing Beyond Aero attempt to tackle both challenges simultaneously, ensuring that its clean-sheet aircraft will have the necessary refueling support upon its projected entry into service.

According to the official release, the company is aggressively expanding its technical capabilities and forging strategic partnerships to derisk the deployment of gaseous hydrogen for business aviation.

Engineering and Design Maturation

Expanding the Technical Workforce

Developing a first-of-its-kind hydrogen-electric aircraft requires significant engineering resources. The press release notes that Beyond Aero now employs more than 80 aerospace engineers who are entirely dedicated to the program.

Industry estimates from Aerospace Global News indicate the aircraft is targeting a range of 800 nautical miles and a six-passenger capacity. Furthermore, the aircraft has an estimated entry into service in 2030, according to reporting by Flight Global. By building a dedicated workforce of over 80 specialists, the OEM is positioning itself to navigate the complex certification pathways required by European regulators.

Hydrogen Infrastructure Integration

Ground Support and Strategic Partnerships

A primary hurdle for hydrogen aviation is the lack of existing airport infrastructure. To address this, Beyond Aero is developing its aircraft alongside the required hydrogen ground systems. According to the company’s press release, the OEM has signed more than 10 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with airport operators.

Furthermore, the company has secured over 16 MoUs with hydrogen production and distribution partners. These agreements are designed to support the logistical planning and supply chain maturity necessary for reliable gaseous hydrogen delivery at commercial airports.

Dual-Pressure Refueling Capabilities

To maximize operational flexibility, Beyond Aero has engineered its aircraft to be compatible with multiple refueling standards. As stated in the official announcement:

The aircraft is designed to operate using both 700-bar hydrogen infrastructure and 350-bar mobile refuelling systems, enabling operational deployment from existing airports.

This dual compatibility is a strategic decision by the OEM, allowing early adopters to utilize the aircraft before permanent, high-pressure hydrogen stations are widely constructed.

AirPro News analysis

We view Beyond Aero’s dual-track approach, developing the aircraft while simultaneously securing the fuel supply chain, as a pragmatic response to the realities of the hydrogen aviation market. The reliance on 350-bar mobile refueling systems is particularly notable. It provides a vital stopgap that allows operators to fly the aircraft without waiting for airports to invest in expensive, permanent 700-bar infrastructure. Combined with a substantial engineering workforce and over $44 million in total funding raised to date (as reported by Aerospace Global News), the French startup is building a credible foundation for its 2030 service entry target. However, the sheer volume of MoUs will eventually need to translate into binding infrastructure investments to make widespread hydrogen flight a reality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Beyond Aero?

Beyond Aero is a French aviation startup developing a clean-sheet, hydrogen-electric light business jet designed for zero direct emissions in flight.

How is the company addressing the lack of hydrogen at airports?

According to their press release, Beyond Aero has signed over 10 MoUs with airport operators and more than 16 with hydrogen producers. The aircraft is also designed to use 350-bar mobile refueling systems, allowing it to operate at airports without permanent hydrogen stations.

How many engineers are working on the project?

The company currently employs more than 80 aerospace engineers dedicated to the aircraft program.

Sources

• Beyond Aero Press Release