In an era where sustainability is becoming a critical priority across various industries, the aviation sector is not lagging behind. The Everett, Washington-based company magniX is making significant strides in this direction through its participation in NASA’s Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration (EPFD) program. At the heart of this initiative is the retrofitting of a de Havilland DHC-7 (Dash 7) aircraft with magniX’s cutting-edge electric powertrains. This ambitious project was formally inaugurated at a ceremony in Seattle and represents a collaborative effort involving magniX, NASA, and Air Tindi, which has provided the Dash 7 aircraft. The goal is clear: to pave the way for sustainable aviation by leveraging the potential of electric propulsion systems.
Progress and Milestones in 2024
Several crucial milestones have marked the progress of this electrification project throughout 2024. A pivotal moment occurred in February when magniX achieved the Preliminary Design Review (PDR), which essentially established the feasibility and design specifications for retrofitting the Dash 7 with their electric powertrains. This milestone was a significant validation of the project’s technical foundations, ensuring that the envisioned modifications were both practical and robust. Following this, in April, the company’s magni650 electric engine underwent its first rigorous testing phase at NASA’s Electric Aircraft Testbed (NEAT) in Sandusky, Ohio. These tests aimed to validate the engine’s performance at high altitudes, specifically up to 27,500 feet. The outcomes were promising, confirming the engine’s operational capabilities under varied conditions.
The momentum continued into June, marked by the successful completion of baseline flight tests for the Dash 7 aircraft. These tests were crucial for gathering initial performance data, which would serve as a benchmark against future results post integration of magniX’s electric technology. By collecting and analyzing this data, the project team is better positioned to make informed decisions about subsequent stages of the retrofit. Each of these milestones not only builds on the previous achievements but also lays the groundwork for the next phases, steering the initiative steadily towards its ultimate goal.
Upcoming Phases and Expectations
As the project advances, the next critical phase of the EPFD program involves replacing one of the aircraft’s four existing turbine engines with a magniX electric powertrain. This significant upgrade is scheduled for test flights in 2026, marking a progressive shift towards electric aviation. The plan doesn’t stop there; eventually, a second turbine engine will also be substituted with another magniX powertrain. This phased approach ensures that each step is meticulously validated, minimizing risks while maximizing developmental insights. The dual replacement aims to showcase not just the technical feasibility but also the substantial environmental benefits, with projections estimating a reduction in fuel consumption by up to 40%.
Ben Loxton, Vice President of EPFD and Electric Storage Systems at magniX, emphasized the program’s role in demonstrating that sustainable flight is achievable with existing technology. He highlighted that the project is progressing towards becoming service-ready while maintaining stringent safety and performance standards. Echoing these sentiments, Reed Macdonald, CEO of magniX, underscored the critical importance of integrating electric powertrains into regional airliners. According to him, this integration is a pivotal step towards realizing the vision of commercial electric flight, offering a pragmatic pathway from concept to operational reality.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
In an era where sustainability is becoming crucial across diverse industries, the aviation sector is striving to keep up. One notable player in this endeavor is magniX, a company based in Everett, Washington, making remarkable progress through its involvement in NASA’s Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration (EPFD) program. Central to this initiative is the retrofitting of a de Havilland DHC-7, commonly known as Dash 7, with magniX’s state-of-the-art electric powertrains. This milestone project was officially launched during a ceremony in Seattle and reflects a collaborative effort among magniX, NASA, and Air Tindi. Air Tindi has generously provided the Dash 7 aircraft for this innovative undertaking. The primary objective is to pave the way for more sustainable aviation solutions by harnessing the power of electric propulsion systems. With this ambitious project, all partners aim to explore and demonstrate the efficacy of electric aviation, setting the stage for a greener, more sustainable future in air travel.
