Hybrid-Electric Propulsion Developer Ampaire Acquires Magpie Aviation

The company will inherit several pending patents and government contracts to ramp up development of its hybrid-electric propulsion system.

Jack Daleo

Monday, March 04, 2024 at 02:01 PM ET

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Ampaire’s flagship nine-seat Eco Caravan (left) could be towed by electrified tow aircraft from Magpie. [Courtesy: Ampaire]

Key Takeaways:

Ampaire has acquired Magpie Aviation and its "Aerotowing" solution, a technology that uses electrified tow aircraft to significantly extend the range of larger electric and hybrid-electric aircraft.
Magpie's Aerotowing works by an electrified main aircraft autonomously connecting with and being towed by another electric aircraft, with the possibility of swapping tow aircraft en route for even longer zero-emission flights.
This acquisition allows Ampaire to enhance its proprietary propulsion systems, leverage Magpie's pending patents and government contracts, and strengthen its leadership in electrified aviation for both commercial and defense applications.

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Ampaire, a developer of hybrid-electric propulsion systems and manufacturer of the Eco Caravan—a nine-seat, modified Cessna 208B Grand Caravan—believes it now holds the key to extending the range of electric and hybrid-electric aircraft.

The company on Monday announced its acquisition of electric aviation technology developer Magpie Aviation, including the company’s Aerotowing solution, for an undisclosed fee. Magpie Aerotowing uses electrified tow aircraft to stretch out the flight time of larger electric models.