Electric aviation pioneer MagniX has signed a deal with Australia’s Sydney Seaplanes and Dante Aeronautical to work on a supplemental type certificate (STC) in Australia for the electrically powered Cessna Caravan aircraft. Under the agreement, Sydney Seaplanes and Dante Aeronautical will convert the MagniX-powered Cessna Caravan to become the first all-electric aircraft certified by the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).
On May 28, MagniX and its partner AeroTec achieved a first flight with the eCaravan prototype in Moses Lake, Washington. The prototype became the first electric aircraft of its type to fly at an altitude of 8,000 feet, allowing engineers to evaluate how the electrical components perform in an unpressurized environment.
In August MagniX told FutureFlight that it expects FAA Part 33 certification for the eCaravan’s battery-powered propulsion systems by late 2021 or early 2022 and that the U.S. agency could issue an STC to clear it for commercial service by the end of 2022.
Now MagniX has set its sights beyond the U.S.
“As the only company that's already powered and flown two all-electric magnified commercial aircraft, MagniX is the ideal partner to help us not only electrify our planes but build toward an electric future that benefits our travelers and the environment, said Sydney Seaplanes CEO Aaron Shaw. “This trilateral partnership means Sydney Seaplanes will play an integral role in certifying, adopting, and distributing nil emission aviation services and technology."
MagniX CEO Roei Ganzarski explained that the agreement with Sydney Seaplanes is separate from other conversion projects the Everett, Washington-based company is working on. The partners expect to gain the Australian STC by the end of the first quarter of 2023, at which point Sydney Seaplanes said it can offer it as a service to other Caravan operators in the region, while Dante serves as the “technology integrator of reference” in Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific region.
"This is another terrific milestone for the electric aviation revolution and one that MagniX is thrilled to be a part of as the industry continues to innovate," said Ganzarski. "Expanding with STC partners globally on more and more aircraft platforms means more sustainable air travel brought to market and to the masses. And for operators, the all-electric aircraft provides the benefits of clean, cost-effective aviation."
In December 2019 MagniX flew the world's first commercial all-electric aircraft, the eBeaver, a six-passenger de Havilland Beaver with North American seaplane operator Harbour Air. The Canadian regional airline aims to electrify its entire fleet eventually. Along with replacing the eBeaver’s original radial piston engine, MagniX has improved the aerodynamic profile of the nose section of the fuselage, resulting in what the company claims will amount to a 20 percent increase in speed with less power output. The company expects to achieve FAA Part 33 certification for the battery-powered propulsion systems by late 2021 or early 2022 and that supplemental type certificates (STCs) could be in place for both programs in time for aircraft to enter commercial service by the end of 2022.
In September Universal Hydrogen announced its selection of MagniX as the electric propulsion provider for its hydrogen-based Dash 8 conversion program. Separate from magnifications of existing aircraft, MagniX also provides the motor for Eviation's Alice all-electric commuter aircraft.
Following a fire during ground testing and delays due to Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, Eviation expects the Alice’s first prototype to fly for the first time in early 2021.
