Tier 1 Robinson e-R44 Electric Helicopter
Tier 1 Engineering brought battery-electric helicopters a step closer to viability with a test flight in California. Tier 1 modified a Robinson 44 with an electric powertrain in collaboration with Lung Biotechnology PBC. Lung Biotechnology is working on solutions to organ shortages in the US and plans to have a fleet of electric helicopters to transport organs to hospitals. Other companies have demonstrated electric helicopters for over a decade, but Tier 1's project could be the first that gets certified by the FAA. Tier 1 and the Los Angeles FAA are currently in talks to certify the e-R44 with a Supplemental Type Certificate allowing it to fly commercially.