Everett, Wash.-based MagniX is partnering with the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Desaer to develop a hybrid-electric version of Desaer’s ATL-100 regional aircraft.
The ATL-100H will make use of two Magni350 electric propulsion units as well as two gas-fueled turboprop engines. MagniX says the configuration is designed to save 25% to 40% of fuel, depending on the range of operation.
“The implications of creating the hybrid electric ATL-100H are far-reaching, and will have a positive impact on environmental sustainability and the aircraft’s operational flexibility in the Brazil region,” Simon Roads, head of sales at MagniX, said today in a news release.
Desaer plans to start flying its gas-fueled ATL-100 prototype in 2023, with the first deliveries expected by 2026. The passenger version of the airplane is designed to seat 19. The hybrid-electric version of the plane is expected to come out after the gas-fueled version, presumably with the same specifications.
“The ATL-100H and future versions of the aircraft will enable customers and operators to achieve carbon emission reduction targets, while maintaining the low operating costs offered by Desaer’s ATL family of aircraft,” Desaer CEO Evandro Fileno said. “The ATL-100H will enable operators to connect more remote communities via aviation, opening up greater economic opportunities across Brazil.”
Desaer isn’t MagniX’s only Brazilian partner: Last year, the Brazilian air charter operator Flapper agreed to purchase up to 20 of MagniX’s Magni650 electric propulsion units as part of its plan for electric-modified Cessna Caravans. The eCaravans are due to go into service in 2024.
MagniX has a wide array of partners for all-electric airplane conversions, including Canada’s Harbour Air, Switzerland’s H55, Australia’s Sydney Seaplanes and an East Coast seaplane service called Blade.
It’s also working with a sister company, Eviation, on a built-from-scratch electric airplane known as Alice; with Britain’s Faradair Aerospace on that company’s hybrid-electric triplane; and with California-based Universal Hydrogen on a hybrid-electric conversion project.
Last September, MagniX won a five-year, $74.3 million NASA contract to demonstrate electric propulsion technologies for aircraft.
The company is majority-owned by the Singapore-based Clermont Group.
