Harbour Air Seaplanes and electric propulsion specialist magniX announced a partnership March 26, 2019 to disrupt aviation. That’s because they will transform Harbour Air’s seaplane fleet into the world’s first passenger electric aircraft. Disruption in aircraft design and operations has always come about from a revolution in propulsion,” says magniX. All electric, no fuel, no emissions, less noise it promises.
Serving British Columbia with First Electric Aircraft
Harbour Air Seaplanes operates scheduled flights in British Columbia, Canada. Its 37-aircraft fleet comprises piston engine Havilland Beavers, Otters and Twin Otters. The service links Vancouver and Nanaimo harbors with Richmond, Victoria, Sechelt, Comox, Whistler, and Gulf Islands.
magniX plans to be the Tesla trailblazer of aviation, IEEE Spectrum says. Because it wants to power 30,000 flights over 12 routes in the Pacific Northwest each year. That way, 500,000 passengers should have no emissions, less noise on small seaplanes every year. That’s after lithium-ion batteries and electric motors replace fuel tanks and piston engines. The moment of passenger electric air travel will have finally begun!
First Passenger Electric Aircraft de Havilland Beavers
The first round of conversions will be on Havilland Beaver airplanes. The single-engine high wing propeller aircraft will have a battery range of 100 miles. That’s enough for our short hop flights, the airline says. Tests begin later this year.
Retrofitting the electric motors will not exceed the standard 2000-hour engine overhaul cost, says magniX. Moreover, there’s a large fuel saving too. Their MAGNI250 motor produces a continuous 280kw / 350HP at 1900 RPM. While the larger MAGNI500 pumps out 560kw / 750HP at the same rotation.
MagniX is currently planning to design and build all-electric aircraft with flying ranges of over 500 miles. That’s even more exciting to look forward to!
Related
Laser Charging Airplane Batteries: Update
Norway’s Ambitious Plan for Electric Airplanes
Preview Image: Richmond Terminal on the Fraser River
Video Share Link: https://youtu.be/RDtduvin9Mw
