Maglev Aero Debuts Magnetic Propulsion Technology in Paris, Partners with GE

Startup promises efficient and ultraquiet eVTOL flights using magnetic levitation technology.

Jack Daleo

Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at 04:03 PM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

MagLev Aero has unveiled its "MagLev HyperDrive," a breakthrough propulsion system for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft that uniquely employs magnetic levitation technology.
This innovative design leverages magnetic propulsion within the rotor and a multi-bladed rim to dramatically reduce noise, improve efficiency, and enhance safety by lowering blade tip speed and loading.
MagLev Aero plans to license or sell its HyperDrive technology to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) instead of manufacturing its own eVTOLs.
The company is collaborating with GE Additive's AddWorks to refine the manufacturing processes and materials for the HyperDrive platform using advanced additive manufacturing (3D printing) techniques.

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This week at the Paris Air Show, MagLev Aero co-founders and father-and-son duo Rod and Ian Randall debuted their state-of-the-art propulsion system for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft using an unlikely energy source: magnets.

Maglev is shorthand for magnetic levitation, a term that almost sounds made up. But the propulsion system is actually fairly common, frequently deployed to power high-speed trains. MagLev Aero, however, is working to apply it to eVTOL aircraft and has already been issued more than 20 patents for its technology.