The article discusses the unveiling of a test airplane by MagniX at Boeing Field. The airplane will be used to test a hybrid electric propulsion system for a NASA demonstration project. The De Havilland Dash 7 plane, acquired from the Canadian regional carrier Air Tindi, has been prepared for conversion for NASA’s Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration project. The project aims to demonstrate the economic and environmental advantages of electric propulsion, with the potential for a fuel savings of up to 40% on regional flights. MagniX’s CEO Reed Macdonald expressed excitement about the project and the potential for electric-powered commercial flights in the future.
The baseline flight tests for the Dash 7 plane have already been conducted with standard turbine engines, and the next phase of the project involves replacing two of the engines with magniX’s electric motors and installing Samson battery packs. The project timeline calls for flight tests with the hybrid electric system to begin in 2026. MagniX has been working on similar projects, including converting De Havilland Beaver seaplanes to electric power, in collaboration with Harbour Air. These electric aircraft technologies have the potential to create more job opportunities and enable cleaner, lower-cost, and energy-efficient regional flights that better connect small and rural communities.
Electric-powered airplanes could have a significant impact on communities that lack access to aviation services. MagniX’s CEO emphasized the importance of making electric commercial flight a reality and the potential benefits for air routes that currently face challenges in serving certain communities. Air Tindi, a Canadian regional carrier, is expected to benefit from the hybrid Dash 7 conversion as their 50-passenger planes serve routes in northern Canada. The project has also received support from Sen. Maria Cantwell, who praised the collaboration between MagniX, NASA, and AeroTEC in advancing electric aircraft technologies and creating jobs in Washington.
The unveiling of the test airplane marks a significant milestone in the development of electric aviation technology. MagniX’s CEO believes that the converted Dash 7 will play a crucial role in proving and maturing their technology, ultimately paving the way for the entry of electric-powered planes into service by the end of the decade. The project represents a step forward in aerospace innovation and a promising opportunity to scale up electric battery technology for passenger planes. Ultimately, the goal is to enable cleaner, more cost-effective, and energy-efficient regional flights that will benefit communities in Washington and across the nation.
