Technology company magniX announced at the Sun 'n' Fun fly-in last week that they had launched a project to develop an electric engine for GA aircraft.
Known as the magniAIR, the engine would initially be offered for the recreational and flight training markets after a development program fitted to an RV-10 airframe.
The company says the magniAIR will develop 235 hp (175 kW) from an engine weighing 55 kg.
“We are very excited to bring the marvel of electric flight to a new segment of the market,” said magniX CEO Reed Macdonald. “magniAIR electric engines coupled with our industry-leading Samson batteries can be used for any application currently powered by a 120-175 kW piston engine.
"Thanks to magniX’s full powertrain, integration is simple and cost effective, bringing electric flight to kit plane builders and enthusiasts.”
Washington-based magniX has been developing an electric Cessna Caravan powertrain for several years, with the magniAIR being the company's first excursion into an electric flight training market currently dominated by Textron-owned Pipistrel.
With the USA on the cusp of introducing the Modernisation of Special Airworthiness Category (MOSAIC) rules, demand for electric engines permitted under the new LSA definition is expected to rise. However, missions are likely to be restricted to training only due to low battery endurance, which is a key market magniX is targeting.
“Fuel prices and maintenance costs are causing the cost of flight training to rise at the same time as the industry faces an acute shortage of pilots," said magniX VP New Product Development Ben Loxton
"magniAIR offers to reduce the expense of flight training and other small aircraft applications with a lower cost of operation, reduced maintenance, and zero carbon emissions.”
The company also believes the magniAIR engine will have applications in the eVTOL and drone markets as well.
magniX expects to fly the RV-10 demonstrator later this year, with first engine deliveries to customers scheduled for 2027.
- Steve Hitchen