Sweden-based hybrid-electric aircraft manufacturer Heart Aerospace has opened a research and development hub in Los Angeles as it prepares to enter a new phase of hardware testing in the development of its first regional hybrid-electric aircraft, the ES-30.

The hub will focus on the advancement of Heart's hybrid-electric propulsion system and other key technologies. The company will relocate its full-scale aircraft demonstrator to the US, where it aims to demonstrate proof of concept of the innovative hybrid propulsion system.

To lead the hub, Heart has appointed Benjamin Stabler as chief technology officer. Stabler, who has led hardware and software teams on the Crew Dragon programme at SpaceX and served as co-founder of Parallel Systems, a developer of automated, battery-electric freight rail vehicles, brings a wealth of experience and will recruit a team to work closely with HQ in Gothenburg.

Co-founder and CEO Anders Forslund says LA was the obvious choice for the hub considering its rich history of innovation: "The establishment of our US R&D hub signifies our commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation in aviation. We are working on a solution we call independent hybrid propulsion, and we aim to demonstrate electric flight during the next year.

"We have an exciting time ahead of us as we enter a new phase of hardware testing and I'm thrilled that Ben is joining our team. His experience and passion for innovation is just what Heart needs to advance on our mission to decarbonise and democratise air travel."

Heart Aerospace has garnered investments worldwide, with North America emerging as its primary market. While the US R&D hub represents a significant milestone, Heart Aerospace remains headquartered in Europe, where it will pursue type certification in 2028.

Heart Aerospace has already secured 250 orders for the ES-30, with options and purchase rights for another 120 aircraft. The company also has letters of intent for a further 191 units.