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:
- Magnix and AeroTEC successfully completed the 30-minute maiden flight of a modified Cessna 208B Caravan, establishing it as the largest all-electric, zero-emissions passenger or cargo aircraft flown to date.
- While the companies claim this demonstrates the feasibility of electric aircraft for short routes with potential market readiness by late next year, the prototype's cabin was obstructed by two tons of batteries, rendering it commercially impractical for passenger transport in its current form.
Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->
See a mistake? Contact us.
