ABOVE: The eR66 electric helicopter will use Robinson’s R66 airframe
The Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC) recently announced a strategic co-development with KULR to develop a next-generation, high-performance battery system for an eR66 electric helicopter demonstrator. Under the agreement, KULR will develop the advanced battery system. The company will design and integrate lightweight, high-performance battery architecture using KULR’s proprietary battery safety technologies and thermal management solutions, originally developed for demanding aerospace and human-rated spaceflight applications.
The agreement between RHC and KULR establishes a comprehensive framework for joint research, engineering, and prototyping. By leveraging RHC’s California-based manufacturing and KULR’s Texas operations, the collaboration aims to achieve critical improvements in energy density, thermal stability, and operational efficiency specifically for the eR66 platform. The goal is then to implement rigorous testing and development protocols to ensure high safety standards for electric flight, along with lower long-term operational costs and greater sustainability (by maximizing the lifecycle of hardware and reducing waste).
“The development of a battery electric R66 helicopter alongside KULR, represents an important shift in how we serve our global commercial and civil operators. By integrating electric propulsion, we aren’t just reducing our environmental impact; we are unlocking critical new capabilities for life-saving missions,” said David Smith, president and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company.
Images: James Lipman for Robinson Helicopter Company
