KULR Technology Group, Inc. has announced a strategic co-development collaboration with Robinson Helicopter Company to develop a next-generation, high-performance battery system for an eR66 battery-electric helicopter demonstrator.

Under the agreement, KULR will serve as a developer of the advanced battery system for the eR66 platform. The company will design and integrate a 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 the following: Advance eR66 Performance: Drive critical improvements in energy density, thermal stability, and operational efficiency specifically for the eR66 platform. Enhance Aviation Safety: Implement rigorous testing and development protocols to ensure peak safety standards for electric flight. Increase Cost Efficiency: Lower long-term operational costs and improve sustainability through smarter resource management and domestic manufacturing. Uphold American Aerospace Leadership: Strengthen the domestic supply chain and innovation pipeline, with initial program milestones targeted for late 2026. Support Decarbonization: Directly contribute to the realization of zero-emission flight through innovative propulsion and battery technologies. Promote Circular Economy Principles: Develop "second life" applications for battery systems post-flight, 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. “For use cases like rapid organ and tissue transport, the reduced acoustic signature and zero-emission profile ensure that time-sensitive, low-emission deliveries are faster, quieter, and more sustainable than ever before."

The initiative complements RHC's ongoing electrification program and supports the company’s path toward a production-ready electric variant of the proven R66. The eR66 is positioned to deliver reliable, affordable, low-noise, and zero-emission performance for high-demand applications such as organ transport and short-haul transport.

Michael Mo, CEO of KULR Technology Group, added, “Robinson Helicopter has built more civil helicopters than any manufacturer on Earth, and their commitment to reliability is exactly the standard KULR’s battery architecture is designed to meet. KULR’s battery systems have been qualified for NASA spaceflight. They were designed from day one for dual use: a primary flight cycle and a certified second life. The eR66 is where that architecture proves itself in rotorcraft.”

Dr. Will Walker, CTO of KULR Technology Group, commented, "Battery advancements are accelerating rapidly, enabling more capable electric flight regimes. The key challenge remains balancing high energy density and low weight with uncompromising safety. Our engineering team's extensive background in designing fail-safe batteries for human rated applications will be critical to achieving the rigorous performance and certification goals for the eR66."

KULR’s collaboration with Robinson introduces its advanced battery safety architecture to the rapidly emerging electric aviation sector, where safety, reliability, and certification readiness are critical to enabling next-generation electric flight.