Ground Testing For Electric Propulsion Project Between MagniX; NASA Concludes Electric flight is not only relegated to the slowly emerging eVTOL market but regular aircraft are being adapted for hybrid and full electric flight. MagniX is a company we have covered before and their prowess in the electric propulsion sphere is noted. Currently, they are working with NASA on its Magni650 electric propulsion unit (EPU). Although the tests that were recently concluded were ground-based electric propulsion, the tests are paving the way eventually for the Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration project.
During the recently concluded ground electric propulsion the Magni650 electric propulsion unit was made to operate as if it was flying at 30,000 ft with a continuous power output of approximately 700kW. The tests were successful opening up the way for flight testing on the De Havilland Dash 7 aircraft for test missions that are anticipated to commence in 2026.
The testing is promising and if this technology can be effectively implemented, emissions will be significantly lowered as well as significantly efficiency gained. For example, as suggested by MagniX, the Dash 7 being flown operating with two of their EPUs, will reduce its regular fuel consumption by an estimated 40 percent on a typical flight.
MagniX is no stranger to providing electric propulsion units. In the recent past we have seen their applications on early demonstrator model of the Eviation Alice and even as recent as mid-2024 on a Cessna Grand Caravan. It also has been working on their new Samson batteries which will provide power range between 350 and 650 kW. These batteries are predicted to have a service operational life of 1,000 full-depth discharge cycles. For more information: MagniX Everett, Washington, United States www.magnix.aero ***
