magniX, the company driving the electric aviation revolution, has announced the launch of the magniAIR electric engine for general aviation, initially targeting aircraft used for recreational flying and flight training. The company is integrating magniAIR as part of a complete magniX powertrain into a Van’s Aircraft RV-10 kit plane, with its first flight scheduled for later this year and the motor expected to be available for purchase in 2027. magniX is currently showcasing the RV-10 alongside a range of its products at the SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida.
magniAIR leverages magniX’s advanced engine architecture, industry-leading safety and fault-handling capabilities, and extensive flight experience to bring electric propulsion to general aviation. It delivers a class-leading power-to-weight ratio of 175 kW at 55 kg and can be seamlessly integrated into a full magniX powertrain across a range of aircraft in this category.
magniX is offering a fully integrated powertrain comprising electric engines, power electronics and the Samson battery system. Electric propulsion reduces operating costs compared with traditional combustion engines, owing to the absence of fuel consumption and lower maintenance requirements. magniAIR will initially extend these benefits to kit plane builders and enthusiasts, lowering barriers to aircraft ownership and encouraging wider participation in recreational flying.
With the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA’s) Modernisation of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) rules expected to broaden the definition of light sport aircraft (LSA) and enable a wider range of use cases, magniAIR is well positioned to capitalise on this shift. Key applications include the electrification of flight trainers, helping to address the rising cost of pilot training, as well as adjacent opportunities in eVTOL and defence sectors.
