Helitugevad

Helitugevad is an Estonian aerospace company that specializes in the design and production of lightweight, electric‑powered helicopters. The company was established in 2015 in Tallinn by a team of former engineers from the Estonian Defence Forces and the aviation manufacturer Tõnu Air. The name Helitugevad combines the Estonian words “heli” (helicopter) and “tugevad” (strong), reflecting the company's emphasis on robust, efficient rotorcraft.

Helitugevad’s flagship product, the Helitugevad EcoHeli, entered service in 2018. It features a composite airframe, a modular electric drivetrain, and a foldable rotor system that enables rapid ground handling. The EcoHeli is designed for a range of civil and military missions, including search and rescue, environmental monitoring, and short‑distance cargo transport. In 2021 the company announced a second line, the Helitugevad Swift, which incorporates a hybrid‑electric arrangement to extend operational range and reduce acoustic signature.

The company claims that its rotorcraft can operate on battery packs with a flight time of up to 90 minutes, and that the use of electric motoring significantly lowers operational costs and emissions. Helitugevad has partnered with the Estonian Ministry of Defence for trials of its vehicles in Arctic conditions, and it maintains a partnership with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for certification pathways.

Internationally, Helitugevad has exhibited its models at the World Helicopter Show in Abu Dhabi and at the International Aerospace Fair in Paris. In addition to sales, the company offers training programs for pilots and maintenance crews. Helitugevad’s activities illustrate the growing trend of electrification within the rotorcraft sector, positioning Estonia as a participant in emerging green aviation technologies.