MD Aircraft is assembling an iron bird ground test rig for its 10-seat MDA1 electric aircraft and aims to start using this to evaluate its design in early 2025. The company, which is a spinoff from German aviation engineering group MD Flugzeugbau, has said it aims to have a technology demonstrator flying by early 2027 as it works toward type certification and first deliveries by 2030.
According to MD Aircraft’s technical project manager, Erick Vianello, the aircraft will have a range of around 400 kilometers (216 nm) and be able to carry nine passengers or three standard cargo containers. The MDA1 is expected to be able to operate from runways as short as 500 meters (1,640 feet), opening up new direct air services to smaller cities.
Initially, the MDA1 model will have a battery-based propulsion system, but future plans envisage the introduction of hydrogen fuel cells and “e-fuels” that could extend the range and open the door to larger versions of the aircraft seating up to 19 passengers. MD Aircraft is already doing preliminary work on plans for hydrogen-powered versions of its aircraft, with a company called HyFly.
MD Aircraft’s engineering team has developed a concept for a “power bay” to contain the batteries that will be installed beneath the wings in the lower fuselage rather than in the nacelles. The company believes this approach will make it easier to swap out battery cells as needed between flights. It intends to market the power bay concept to other aircraft and propulsion system developers.
According to the company, the MDA1 could deliver operating costs that are between 27% and 60% lower than current regional airliners of around the same size. The single-pilot aircraft will be certified under EASA’s CS-23 rules.
The concept design completed in June features splinted wing tips and a cruciform tail configuration. A pair of propellers and electric motors, which have been developed with input from Rolls-Royce, are integrated with the wing.
Letters of Intent Signed for Early Production
MD Aircraft has already signed letters of intent for 40 of the MDA1 model. Vianello said that, based on its assessment of demand, peak production rates could reach 258 units per year.
These prospective customers include German regional airline start-up Evia Aero, which committed to 10 units in August. The company has previously announced preliminary sales agreements for new electric and hydrogen-electric aircraft, respectively, with Eviation and Cranfield Aerospace Solutions.
MD Flugzeugbau, which has been in business since 1995, is an EASA-approved design, production, and maintenance organization. Its founder Tim Markwald told AIN the company has been involved in several electric aviation projects over the past decade and quietly launched the new subsidiary last year to focus on its own new aircraft. The group, which now employs 83 people, also includes a composite materials division.