magniX launches new electric engine for general aviation market

magniX launches the magniAIR electric engine for general aviation, initially targeted at the class of aircraft used for recreational flying and flight training. magniX is integrating the magniAIR as part of a full magniX powertrain into a Van’s Aircraft RV-10 kit plane scheduled for first flight later this year with the motor available to purchase in 2027. The company is currently exhibiting the RV-10 and a range of its other products at the SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida, U.S.

magniAIR leverages magniX’s groundbreaking engine architecture, industry leading safety and fault handling capabilities, and unrivaled flight experience to bring the electric age to general aviation. magniAIR will deliver class-leading power-to-weight of 175 kW at 55kg and can be seamlessly integrated as part of a full magniX powertrain into a range of aircraft in that class. 

Reed Macdonald, CEO of magniX commented: “We are very excited to bring the marvel of electric flight to a new segment of the market. magniAIR electric engines coupled with our industry-leading Samson batteries can be used for any application currently powered by a 120-175 kW piston engine. Thanks to magniX’s full powertrain, integration is simple and cost effective, bringing electric flight to kit plane builders and enthusiasts.”

Ben Loxton, VP of New Product Development at magniX stated: “Many training aircraft in use today were manufactured in the 1970s. Fuel prices and maintenance costs are causing the cost of flight training to rise at the same time as the industry faces an acute shortage of pilots. magniAIR offers to reduce the expense of flight training and other small aircraft applications with a lower cost of operation, reduced maintenance, and zero carbon emissions.”

Bringing electric flight to kit plane builders and enthusiasts

magniX is the only company offering a fully-integrated powertrain comprising electric engines, power electronics, and the industry-leading Samson battery product. Electric propulsion offers a lower cost of operation than traditional combustion engines due to its lack of fuel usage and reduced maintenance requirements. magniAIR will initially bring these benefits to kit plane builders and enthusiasts, breaking down barriers to airplane ownership and popularizing recreational flying. 

With the Federal Aviation Administration’s Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification rules expected to widen the definition of light sport aircraft and enable a broader range of use cases, magniAIR is positioned to meet this opportunity as well. Among its prime applications is the electrification of flight trainers, addressing the growing cost of obtaining a pilot's license. It is also targeted at adjacencies in eVTOLs and defense.