Charged EVs | KULR to co-develop battery system for Robinson’s eR66 electric helicopter demonstrator

KULR Technology Group says it has signed an agreement with Robinson Helicopter to co-develop the battery system for the eR66, a battery-electric demonstrator based on Robinson’s R66 helicopter platform.

Under the agreement, KULR will design and integrate a lightweight battery architecture for the aircraft using its own battery safety and thermal-management technologies. The work will focus on improving energy density, thermal stability and operational efficiency for the eR66, while also establishing rigorous testing and development protocols aimed at aviation safety. Initial program milestones are targeted for late 2026.

KULR says the agreement sets up a broader joint research, engineering and prototyping effort, combining Robinson’s California manufacturing base with KULR’s Texas operations. The goals include lowering long-term operating costs, strengthening domestic aerospace supply chains and exploring second-life uses for the battery systems after flight service.

“The development of a battery electric R66 helicopter alongside KULR represents an important shift in how we serve our global commercial and civil operators,” said Robinson Helicopter president and CEO David Smith. KULR CEO Michael Mo said the company’s battery systems were “designed from day one for dual use: a primary flight cycle and a certified second life.”

Electric aviation is still a brutal engineering tradeoff between energy density, weight, thermal control and safety. KULR CTO Will Walker acknowledged as much, saying the central challenge is balancing high energy density and low weight with “uncompromising safety.”