Just days after Harbour Air signed a letter of intent (LOI) to purchase 50 Magni650 electric engines from electric propulsion developer MagniX, the company revealed that the engine has completed its first phase of testing at the NASA Electric Aircraft Testbed (NEAT) facility in Sandusky, Ohio.
The testing is part of NASA’s Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration (EPFD) program, for which MagniX was awarded a $74.3 million contract in 2021 as an EPFD partner. NASA aims to accelerate entry into service of electric aviation, and under the contract, MagniX is retrofitting a de Havilland Dash 7 with its electric propulsion system.
MagniX completed the preliminary design review, which established the baseline design for the Dash 7 retrofit, in February. During the NEAT testing, the Magni650 propulsion unit was subjected to 800 volts to simulate high-voltage operations, and its thermal performance was evaluated at environmental conditions up to 27,500 feet.
In June, testing will expand the operating envelope for altitude, power, and temperature, according to MagniX. “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.”
For Vancouver-based regional airline Harbour Air’s certification work to convert de Havilland DHC-2 Beavers to electric propulsion, MagniX is helping with the FAA supplemental type certificate (STC) program and will also support Transport Canada validation. Harbour Air first flew a MagniX-powered Beaver in December 2019, and the company aims to achieve certification and service entry in 2026. So far, the prototype has flown 78 times.
The LOI includes an option for MagniX to support the development of other electric propulsion STCs. Harbour Air plans to convert other aircraft in its fleet and offer electric propulsion conversions to third parties as part of plans to develop a West Coast sustainable aviation hub.
“We are excited to accelerate the adoption of electric aviation technology and further our journey towards a sustainable future,” said Harbour Air CEO Bert van der Stege. “The agreement with MagniX underscores our commitment to revolutionize commercial aviation with electric propulsion and to pave the way for cleaner, quieter, and more efficient air travel.”
“Electrifying Harbour Air’s fleet and future customers with MagniX’s engines sets us on a course to define the future of regional flight,” said MagniX chief technology officer Riona Armesmith. “The many flights that the eBeaver has now completed with MagniX’s technology are a signal that the electric age of aviation is here and bringing it to the marketplace is growing rapidly closer.”
