NASA and magniX Electrify Aviation with Hybrid Electric De Havilland Dash 7
Key Ideas
- NASA and magniX have collaborated to reveal a hybrid electric propulsion system on a modified De Havilland Dash 7 aircraft, aiming to revolutionize commercial aviation.
- The magni650 powertrain has shown potential for widespread adoption in the industry, with plans for groundbreaking flight tests to assess performance, efficiency, and reliability.
- The Electric Powertrain Flight Demonstration program represents a significant step towards cleaner transportation technologies, aligning with the urgent global need to address climate change.
- As the EPFD program progresses, the aviation industry anticipates insights that could shape the future of electric aviation, leading towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly air travel sector.
NASA, through its Electric Powertrain Flight Demonstration (EPFD) project in collaboration with magniX, has unveiled a modified De Havilland Dash 7 aircraft equipped with a hybrid electric propulsion system. This innovative technology aims to reduce harmful emissions and transition towards a more sustainable future by combining traditional turbo propeller engines with electric motors. The magni650 powertrain, a vital component of the project, has been selected for Eviation's Alice aircraft, showcasing its potential for industry-wide adoption.
With two magni650 units installed on the Dash 7, NASA and magniX are set to conduct groundbreaking flight tests to evaluate the system's performance, efficiency, and reliability. This development comes at a critical time as the world seeks solutions to combat climate change.
The successful completion of initial tests at NASA's Electric Aircraft Testbed facility marked a significant advancement for the EPFD program. The project holds promise for cleaner transportation technologies and aims to demonstrate the viability of hybrid electric propulsion in commercial aircraft, fostering a more environmentally friendly and economically sustainable aviation sector.
While further tests are planned, the focus is on leveraging insights to shape future standards for electrified aircraft. NASA aims to contribute its expertise in development, instrumentation, and data analysis to ensure the success of the program. The industry eagerly awaits the results and potential regulatory implications of this groundbreaking initiative that could lead to a more sustainable future for air travel.