EVERETT, Wash. - Electric aviation company magniX in Everett, Wash. announced that it has successfully completed the first phase of testing at the NASA Electric Aircraft Testbed (NEAT) facility in Sandusky, Ohio. The testing focused on high voltage (800V) operations and thermal performance. The results confirmed the magni650 electric engine’s capabilities at altitudes of up to 27,500 feet.
The testing is being carried out as part of NASA’s Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration (EPFD) program. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) awarded magniX a $74.3 million contract in 2021 as a partner for the EPFD, which is aimed at accelerating the Entry into Service of electric aviation.
Under the program, magniX will retrofit an Air Tindi De Havilland Dash 7 with a magniX electric powertrain. The Preliminary Design Review (PDR) to establish the baseline design for the flight demonstration and retrofit of the Dash 7 was completed in February 2024.
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The next phase of testing at the NEAT facility will begin in June and focus on expanding the operating envelope for altitude, power, and temperature. It will further the understanding of the industry-leading performance and reliability of magniX’s electric powertrain in all conditions it would encounter in flight.
“It is exciting to see how brilliantly our magni650 engine performed in this first phase of testing at the NEAT facility,” said Ben Loxton, Vice-President of NASA EPFD Program at magniX. “The NEAT test campaign is a cornerstone of the NASA EPFD program and achieving success under conditions up to 27,500 feet is a significant milestone. Results such as this, and our recent Letter of Intent from Harbour Air for 50 of our magni650 engines, are major steps on our path to leading the electrification of regional aircraft.”
