Amsterdam, April 10, 2026
Elysian Aircraft has completed the Conceptual Design Review of its all-electric E9X, marking a key step toward making large-scale electric aviation commercially viable. The milestone validates the original design principles of the E9X after multiple years of specialized R&D, confirms the technical foundations of the programme, and supports the transition into the preliminary design phase with refined design. In parallel, the company has conducted a first test flight with its Scaled Flight Demonstrator (SFD), adding an early layer of physical validation to the aerodynamic, flight-controls, and propulsion-integration work supporting the aircraft.
The new iteration builds on the technical progress achieved since Elysian’s initial concept and incorporates the outcomes of extensive research and system-level studies. These efforts continue to shape both the E9X programme and the enabling electrification technologies behind it, including dual-use applications.
“This second iteration marks the transition from feasibility studies to technology maturation,” said Daniel Rosen Jacobson, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Elysian Aircraft. “We are not only advancing the E9X programme but also developing the core electrification technologies that support broader aerospace applications. Our discussions with airlines, suppliers, and industry partners continue to confirm strong interest in both the aircraft and the technologies behind it.”
The updated design introduces refinements across several key areas, including distributed electric propulsion, the high-voltage system, wing-battery integration, and modular battery packs. Together, these developments strengthen the aircraft’s overall energy architecture, propulsion efficiency and system integration, while confirming the viability of large-scale battery-electric aviation and preparing the programme for the next stage of detailed engineering and technology validation.
“E9X requires a new approach to integrating electric propulsion, energy storage and aircraft systems at scale.” added Rob Wolleswinkel, Co-Founder and CTO. ”We’re maturing the E9X through targeted demonstrators and system testing, while advancing the enabling technologies. These technologies also have relevance beyond the E9X civil programme. Engagement with relevant stakeholders confirms strong interest in these capabilities and supports earlier in-flight demonstration of these technologies.”
Elysian’s all-electric E9X aircraft is designed to carry 88-100 passengers across 750+ kilometers with zero in-flight emissions, and scale toward ranges of up to 1,000 km as battery performance advances.The programme serves as the primary civil integration platform for the company’s electrification architecture, while earlier demonstrators and dual-use applications are enabling first operational integrations of these technologies.
Demonstrators supporting risk reduction and design maturity
As the E9X moves toward preliminary design, Elysian is advancing a set of demonstrators to reduce risk across key technologies. Following its first test flight, the Scaled Flight Demonstrator provides an early platform for validating aerodynamic behavior, flight dynamics, and controls of distributed propulsion system. Additional demonstrators include a Wing Integration Mock-Up to test and mature battery-wing integration and structural installation, a Power Distribution Rig for high-voltage architecture testing, and a Battery Demonstrator focused on pack-level integration and modularity.
