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 acquired Magpie Aviation to integrate its "Aerotowing" technology, which uses electrified tow aircraft to significantly extend the flight range of electric and hybrid-electric aircraft by overcoming battery energy density constraints.
Magpie's Aerotowing system involves autonomously connecting a main aircraft with a tow aircraft in the sky, allowing the main aircraft to save power and achieve longer, zero-emission flights, with the possibility of swapping tow aircraft en route.
This acquisition strengthens Ampaire's strategic goal to lead in electrified aviation, expanding its propulsion systems and services to both commercial and defense sectors for various aircraft, including its Eco Caravan.

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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.