EVERETT — magniX, Everett’s company that develops and manufactures electric motors to power aircraft, is adding new partners.
magniX teamed up with AeroTEC of Seattle and Canadian Air Tindi to develop a hybrid-electric propulsion system for small passenger aircraft.
They hope to demonstrate that hybrid-powered aircraft can give suburban airlines a big boost by cutting operating costs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The collaboration is part of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s program to promote electric aircraft engines for commercial airlines.
magniX received a grant of $ 74 million last year from NASA is promoting the technology of moving electric aircraft for use by commercial airlines. Everett is one of two American companies selected for support Demonstration program of the space agency’s electric transmission flight.
Separately, magniX and AeroTEC are collaborating with Surf Air, an electric aviation company from Los Angeles. They plan to develop propulsion systems for all-electric and hybrid-electric versions of the new and existing Cessna Grand Caravans.
To lead the new initiative and campaign, magniX recently appointed a new CEO.
Nuno Taborda, the former head of Rolls Royce from the aerospace division of the British firm, takes the helm on Wednesday. Taborda replaces Roy Hanzarski, who left in January.
magniX may be best known for its partnership with Eviation Aircraft, which has offices and engineering facilities near Arlington Municipal Airport.
Together, they designed and built the fully electric nine-seater aircraft, which is expected to make its first flight this year. Known as Alice, the aircraft is specifically designed around magniX Electric motor system.
Both companies who moved to Snahomish County in 2020are subsidiaries of Clermont Group, a private equity firm based in Singapore.
Together with AeroTEC and Air Tindi, magniX will run on De Havilland Canada Dash 7.
The aircraft will be equipped with two conventional Pratt & Whitney PT6 engines and two magniX magni650 electric motors.
The system is designed to reduce operating costs and noise while increasing energy efficiency, noted in magniX.
It is assumed that the hybrid-electric version will have the same range as its counterpart with an internal combustion engine.
Unlike fully electric aircraft, hybrid electric aircraft do not require infrastructure to charge on the ground.
Air Tindi, a commercial operator from Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories of Canada, will provide the DHC-7 aircraft.
Hybrid-electric aircraft can help serve vulnerable and low-income communities, said Chris Reynolds, president of Air Tindi.
“We are currently flying Dash 7 with passengers and cargo to remote regions of Canada,” Reynolds said.
“Many of these communities are exposed to food security because of high energy prices and lack of infrastructure,” Reynolds said. “We see this partnership as an opportunity to change these dynamics and make a positive impact on these regions by reducing carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.”
Seattle AeroTEC is integrating electric propulsion systems into existing aircraft. He will design, modify and conduct flight tests of the demonstration aircraft at his flight test center in Lake Moses.
In 2020, AeroTEC successfully flew the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, which was equipped with a fully electric power system magniX.
Modified Dash 7 is designed for the first flight in 2025.
“This is not only a great victory for AeroTEC, but also for the state of Washington, which is fast becoming a leader in the development of sustainable aviation technologies,” said Human.
Janis Podsada: 425-339-3097; jpodsada@heraldnet.com;
