MagniX announces electric kitplane powertrain

The electric technology company is taking preorders for its magniAIR electric engine for experimental aircraft, magniX announced July 20 at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in Wisconsin. MagniX is installing a full magniX powertrain into a Van’s RV–10, including the magniAIR motor, power inverter, power distribution unit, and battery. The company expects to conduct the first flight in early 2027 and to begin deliveries of the 175-kW (235-horsepower) electric engine later in the year.

In the longer term, magniX hopes to integrate the magniAIR engine into electric trainers and light-sport category aircraft under the new Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification rules, which remove powerplant limitations for aircraft conforming to light sport consensus standards.

Ben Loxton, magniX vice president of new product development, said the electric motor replaces the Lycoming IO-390 or IO-540 series piston engine that typically powers aircraft in this size range. The air-cooled motor weighs 121 pounds and produces a peak rated power of 235 shaft horsepower and continuous rated power of 130 kW/174 shp.

“We see electrification as a real opportunity to bring aviation back to a better price point that more people can then afford to fly,” he said, noting that magniX expects operating costs will be about 20 percent less than the original aircraft. He said pricing is not yet finalized, but the price of the engine and inverter are expected to be similar to the Lycoming engine that the installation replaces. The batteries will be extra, which Loxton likens to prepaying for fuel.

Installing the electric powertrain in the RV–10 will move the nose forward, Loxton said, because the electric engine is much lighter than its piston counterparts in the 200-kg (440-pound) range. Some batteries will go in the nose and others in the baggage compartment; a full installation will reduce the useful load from four to two people, he said. Endurance is expected to be two hours total.

Loxton said the RV–10 will have similar performance to a piston model, but electric aircraft have the advantages of being smoother to fly and maintaining power output at higher density altitudes.

MagniX expects a service ceiling of 18,000 feet, operating temperatures from minus 40 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit, and a time between overhauls of 5,000 hours.