Development Launches New Phase in NASA’s Sustainable Flight Program

magniX has unveiled their new De Havilland DHC-7 (Dash 7) demonstrator aircraft. This marked the launch of NASA’s Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration (EPFD) program’s next phase.

NASA and magniX have been partnering on the EPFD program since its creation in 2022. The project goal is to develop a new generation of sustainable aircraft through ground and flight tests of Electrified Aircraft Propulsion (EAP) tech. NASA eventually hopes to fit their discoveries on airliners to lower the footprint of commercial aviation.

“magniX and NASA are demonstrating that sustainable flight can be realized with technology that we have available today,” explained Ben Loxton, magniX’s VP of the EPFD Program. “The EPFD program is accelerating its readiness for entry into service, prioritizing safety and the highest standards of performance.”

Several developments on the project have already been made. In April of this year, the magni650 electric engine underwent testing at NASA’s Electric Aircraft Testbed in Sandusky, Ohio. They discovered that the powertrain remained effective at altitudes up to 27,500 feet. Testing resumed over the summer, allowing researchers to inspect system operations in more intense flight conditions.

To highlight commercial applications of EAP, NASA and magniX have been working to retrofit an Air Tindi De Havilland Dash 7 with a hybrid electric powertrain. It will include two magni650 units and a battery energy storage system (ESS).

NASA and magniX showcased the Dash 7 at a ceremony in Seattle, Washington. It was outfitted with both partners’ logos, along with that of the provider Air Tindi. 

Reed Macdonald, CEO of magniX, stated: “Integrating our game-changing electric powertrains into a regional airliner such as the Dash 7 represents a major step forward in bringing electric solutions into the business of aviation.”

The next phase will begin by replacing one of the Dash 7’s four engines with the electric powertrain. Then, the process will be repeated, making the aircraft half electric powered. Test flights are slated to begin in 2026.

FMI: www.nasa.gov, www.magnix.aero