AeroTEC plans to test the magniX 750 horsepower magni500 all-electric propulsion system on a Cessna Caravan 208B. In tandem with magniX, the company powering the electric aviation initiative, work advances on the certification process with a view to beginning flight testing by the end of 2019.

By reducing operating costs, making air travel more affordable, and connecting communities, electric aviation has the ability to immediately disrupt 'middle mile' transit; passenger and commercial transportation up to 1,000 miles. Initiatives like the AeroTEC and magniX collaboration could be important in the future of transportation and bringing the aviation industry, which contributes 12 per cent of all US carbon emissions and 4.9 per cent globally, closer to eliminating greenhouse gas emissions.

“The electric aviation revolution is very real, and AeroTEC is the right team to help innovative aviation companies like magniX to bring their technology to market sooner,” says president and founder Lee Human. “AeroTEC is responsible for the magni500-powered 208B's modification design, integration and flight test.”

The Cessna Caravan is a popular multi-engine turboprop with more than 2,600 operating in 100 countries. By retrofitting this aircraft with magniX's propulsion system, the passenger and cargo transportation workhorse will go all-electric, ultimately creating new opportunities for the movement of people and goods.

“Retrofitting an iconic workhorse like the Cessna Caravan for the first time is no small feat. Through our work with AeroTEC, we are committed to meeting and exceeding expectations of our solution so we can continue to advance electric aviation,” adds magniX CEO Roei Ganzarski. “Electrifying existing aircraft enables flexible, clean air travel and package delivery options at a fraction of the cost. And for operators not ready to make the leap into new, clean-sheet, all-electric aircraft, retrofitting the Cessna Caravan provides a solution that allows them to reap the benefits of clean, cost-effective aviation in a shorter time frame.”

Integration design and manufacturing of the magniX propulsion system started earlier this year and is progressing on schedule. Aircraft modifications are underway at the AeroTEC flight test centre in Moses Lake, Washington, with first flight scheduled before the end of this year. AeroTEC is an independent company focused on aerospace testing, engineering and certification.