Electric propulsion is set to change the aviation industry in a big way. This test shows more of what's to come.
MagniX is one company that's heading the mission to turn aviation electric. It may not happen overnight, but their tests are looking promising for light aircraft to go green in the near future. On a smaller scale, in the world of RC, the revolution has already taken place. Examples of electric in action, such with as our friend Peter Sripol's electric ultralight, the evidence is emerging that this energy will be a viable source of power in wider aviation.
Tests by MagniX are looking ever more promising. They hope to produce an electric propulsion system for aircraft that can either be retrofitted or installed on new airframes.
An experimental MagniX superconductor.
The US/Australian company has recently tested a new 260-kW/350hp electric motor on a specially designed ground test rig. With this, they've reportedly done over 1000hrs of testing.
A Magni250 motor capable of 280kw.
With positive results, they hope to scale this power system up to a 750hp motor. With this, they should be able to power a Cessna 208 Caravan which is an aircraft traditionally found with a similarly powered turboprop engine.
A Cessna 208 Caravan similar to the one MagniX wants to power with electric.
MagniX says that their power unit should cost about the same as a Pratt & Whitney PT6 whilst improving operating costs. The engine could be anywhere between 40% to 60% cheaper to run as electricity is far cheaper than jet fuel.
A Pratt & Wittney PT6 engine.
With current battery technology, the new power system would allow a fully loaded Cessna 208 to fly up to 105 miles. This would be with an existing lithium-ion battery. It will be riviting to see how this tech evolves over the coming years. Much like on the RC scene, batteries may be widely regarded as inferior at first, but soon they may develop the capabilities to make a huge impact given the right circumstances. Whatever happens, it's going to be interesting!
Article by James Whomsley
Editor of FliteTest.com
Contact: james@flitetest.com
YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/projectairaviation
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Think ten times the range, or maybe just five times the range , and half the battery weight .
And no fires
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