When we think of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft, the helicopter stands as one of the most successful and versatile designs in aviation history. Though mechanically complex, its ability to hover, maneuver precisely, and land in confined spaces has made it indispensable. As the saying goes: “A helicopter doesn’t fly, it beats the air into submission.”
For applications like urban air mobility and emergency medical services, electric helicopters may represent the most natural pathway toward certification—simpler and more practical than the radical lift+cruise configurations pursued by many eVTOL startups.
This article explores the evolution of electric helicopters, from early prototypes to modern breakthroughs, and highlights the advantages electrification brings to rotorcraft.
The First Steps: Sikorsky Firefly
In 2010, at a time when the Tesla Roadster and Nissan Leaf were redefining electric mobility on the ground, Sikorsky unveiled its own experimental electric helicopter at Oshkosh: the Sikorsky Firefly.
- Based on the S-300C, its 190 hp Lycoming engine was replaced with an electric motor and two battery packs.
- The battery pack weighed 530 kg, yet stored only 6.2 kWh, with a very low energy density of 30.5 Wh/kg.
- Sikorsky estimated a 12–15 minute flight with a top speed of 80 knots (148 km/h).
- The Firefly never actually flew, though it was designed with the ability to autorotate for safe landings in case of battery failure.
Despite its limitations, the Firefly demonstrated the possibilities of electrification at a time when battery technology was still in its infancy.
France’s Early Milestone: Solution F
In August 2011, a French company achieved the world’s first manned flight of an all-electric helicopter with the Solution F.
- Powered by lithium polymer pouch batteries with an energy density of 160 Wh/kg (a major improvement over the Firefly).
- Completed 29 flights totaling 99.5 minutes, with a maximum flight time of 6 minutes.
This achievement marked the first real proof that an electric helicopter could leave the ground under its own power.
The Game-Changer: Robinson e-R44
The most significant step toward commercial viability comes from Tier 1 Engineering’s e-R44, an electrified version of the world’s most popular light helicopter, the Robinson R44.
- First flight (2016): 5 minutes at 400 ft.
- 2017: 30 minutes at 800 ft.
- 2018: Guinness World Record for longest distance by an electric helicopter (55 km at 148 km/h).
- 2022: Successfully completed a 21-minute airport-to-airport flight.
Why the R44?
- Over 7,000 units built, meaning spare parts and servicing are widely available.
- Low empty weight fraction, allowing more payload relative to aircraft weight.
- Low disc loading, giving higher VTOL efficiency and reduced noise.
Technical Evolution
- Early models used Brammo lithium polymer batteries and YASA motors.
- The latest version uses Magnix magni250 motors and higher-density Tb17 battery modules.
- Battery weight reduced from 500 kg to 365 kg, freeing up 135 kg for payload.
- Swappable battery packs enable a quick 15-minute turnaround, compared to hour-long recharges.
Performance
- Cruise power: 105 kW
- Hover (IGE): 140 kW
- Hover (OGE): 160 kW
- Payload capacity: 272 kg (600 lb) for two pilots plus medical cargo (primary mission: organ transport).
With costs projected at 20% less than piston-powered helicopters, and far quieter operation, the e-R44 could become the first commercially viable electric helicopter.
Hydrogen-Powered Future: Piasecki PA-890
Looking beyond batteries, Piasecki Aircraft is developing the world’s first hydrogen-powered electric helicopter.
- Testbed: Aerotech CoAx 2D helicopter with an 80 kW PEM fuel cell system.
- Goal: The PA-890, a five-seat helicopter with 230+ mile range.
- Power source: Hypoint turbo air-cooled fuel cells with a specific power of 2 kW/kg and energy density of 1,500 Wh/kg.
Key Innovations
- Slowed-rotor, winged design for efficient forward flight.
- Variable-incidence wings to offload the rotor in cruise.
- Electric tail rotor doubles as a forward thrust propeller.
The PA-890 promises the range and payload needed for real-world missions while maintaining the quiet, vibration-free advantages of electric propulsion.
Why Electric Helicopters Matter
Electric propulsion offers several advantages over traditional helicopter drivetrains:
- Quieter flights – ideal for urban operations.
- Lower vibration – improving passenger comfort.
- Simpler powertrains – motors can deliver torque directly to rotors without heavy gearboxes.
- Lower operating costs – fewer moving parts, less maintenance.
- Zero emissions – particularly critical for medical and urban missions.
As Martin Garrish points out, electric helicopters may become a major force in the next era of aviation—bridging the gap between today’s rotorcraft and tomorrow’s urban air mobility networks.
Conclusion
From Sikorsky’s experimental Firefly to Tier 1’s practical e-R44 and Piasecki’s ambitious hydrogen-powered PA-890, electric helicopters are moving steadily toward reality.
While battery limitations still cap flight time, advances in swappable packs, energy density, and fuel cells are rapidly improving prospects.
For now, one thing is clear: electric helicopters are no longer a futuristic idea—they’re taking off today.