After a lot of trial and error, I think I’ve figured out the best way to manage the hybrid-electric Heart Aerospace ES-30. Since the plane comes with some quirks (and missing features), understanding how the engines and systems work is key to completing flights successfully.
The ES-30 is powered by:
• Turboprop Engines (1 & 4): These are your traditional engines, running independently of the batteries.
• Electric Engines (2 & 3): These motors rely on battery power and can be toggled to conserve energy.
The goal is to balance power between these engines at different flight phases while managing battery life for the electric motors. If your batteries drain mid-flight, you’ll lose engines 2 and 3—and potentially avionics and other systems.
Flight Workflow: Engine Setup by Phase
-
Pre-Flight and Takeoff
• Ensure all four engines (1, 2, 3, and 4) are running.
• Set full power on all engines for maximum thrust during takeoff.
• Once you’re airborne and climbing, monitor the battery level for engines 2 and 3. It’ll drop fast if you leave them running at full power. -
Cruise
• After reaching a safe altitude:
• Idle engine 3: This conserves battery life.
• Keep engine 2 running at a low torque setting.
• Use engines 1 and 4 for most of the power (adjust torque levels as needed to balance thrust).
• Monitor battery levels—try to conserve at least 65% charge for the descent and landing phase. -
Descent
• Turn engine 3 back on (if it was idled) and increase its power gradually.
• Reactivate full power on engine 2 to ensure all four engines are balanced and ready for landing.
• Monitor the torque to avoid overloading the electric motors while descending. -
Landing
• Use all four engines for a stable and smooth approach.
• Ensure batteries have enough charge to sustain engines 2 and 3 through landing.
• After touchdown, you can idle or shut down engines 2 and 3 if taxiing to the gate is taking too long.
Handling Different Scenarios
Here are some common challenges and how to deal with them:
- Single Engine Operation
If you lose one engine:
• Use rudder trim to counteract asymmetric thrust.
• Balance torque between the remaining engines.
• If the lost engine is one of the electric motors, conserve battery power by idling the other electric motor.
- Full Hybrid Usage
When all four engines are operational:
• Take advantage of the electric motors for extra power during takeoff and landing.
• Conserve battery power during cruise by relying on the turboprops.
- Emergency Situations
If both electric engines (2 and 3) fail:
• Switch to full power on engines 1 and 4.
• Conserve battery life for critical systems like avionics and hydraulics.
• Plan an immediate landing at the nearest airport.
Flying the ES-30 in MSFS 2024 is a unique challenge, but it’s manageable once you understand how to balance the hybrid system. The key is conserving battery life during cruise and using the electric motors strategically. Let me know if you’ve figured out any additional tricks or workarounds—I’m always open to improving my setup!