Electric propulsion designer Magnix, working alongside engineering and flight test specialist AeroTEC, said the Magnix Magni/500-powered Cessna 208B Caravan they launched last week is now the largest all-electric, zero emissions, passenger or cargo aircraft ever to fly. The Caravan test bed aircraft lifted off from Grant County International Airport in Moses Lake, Washington, for a 30-minute flight with the Magni 750 hp electric motor that AeroTec installed to replace the airplane’s standard Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6 turboprop that generates 867 shp.
Electric Flight Takes Another Step Forward
Key Takeaways:
- Electric propulsion designer Magnix and AeroTEC successfully flew a Magnix Magni/500-powered Cessna 208B Caravan, marking it as the largest all-electric, zero-emissions passenger or cargo aircraft to date.
- The companies believe this 30-minute test flight confirms the feasibility of such aircraft for short routes and aim for market readiness by late next year.
- However, the test aircraft currently carries two tons of lithium-ion batteries and cooling equipment, making it commercially impractical for passenger transport in its present configuration.
- This achievement follows Magnix's previous success in powering the first all-electric seaplane flight last year.
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