From NEAT to the EPFD project
The magni650 completed its bench tests on NASA's Electric Aircraft Testbed (NEAT) in Sandusky, Ohio, United States. The magni650 successfully operated at an altitude of 30,000 feet (9,000 m) at a maximum continuous power of 700 kilowatts. The performance of the magniX EPU under simulated flight conditions at altitude demonstrates that it is ready for NASA's Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration (EPFD) flight test phase and brings it closer to certification .
One then two powertrains on a Dash 7
During the next stage of the EPFD project, one of the engines of the De Havilland Dash 7 test aircraft (of which there are four) will be replaced with a magni650 electric powertrain. Test flights are planned for 2026. The final stage of the program will involve replacing a second turbine engine with another magniX electric motor. This configuration is expected to reduce fuel consumption by 40% during a typical flight. With the data collected, large-scale electrification of commercial aircraft will move closer to market entry by the end of the decade.
Accelerate the take-off of electric flight
“With an unrivaled record of first flights on five different aircraft magniX is at the forefront of the advancement of electric aviation. Having launched its Samson batteries earlier in 2024, with unrivaled energy density and longevity, magniX offers a complete electric powertrain solution with a clear path to entry into service,” comments the equipment and engine manufacturer. The fact remains that the battery allowing long journeys is still to be created or developed because for the moment, all-electric in the long term remains utopian.
Electric on the short, hybridized on the long
“The NEAT test campaign has brought us one step closer to achieving the world's first certification of an electric aviation powertrain,” said Ben Loxton, magniX vice president of technical programs. “Working with NASA on the EPFD project will enable the electrification of regional commercial aviation in pure mode on short routes, and hybridization on longer routes – significant steps towards the decarbonization of aerospace “.
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