magniX Targets Flight Training Cost Reduction with New magniAIR 175 kW Air-Cooled Electric Engine for Light Aircraft

USA – Electric aviation powertrain developer magniX has launched the magniAIR, a new air-cooled electric engine targeting the general aviation market, with initial applications in experimental aircraft, light sport aircraft, and electric flight trainers — positioning the product as a direct response to the rising cost of flight training.

• The magniAIR delivers 175 kW at 55 kg, offering a class-leading power-to-weight ratio, and is designed for aircraft currently powered by 120–175 kW piston engines; it is available to purchase from 2027.
• magniX is integrating the magniAIR as part of a full magniX powertrain — comprising electric engines, power electronics, and its Samson battery system — into a Van's Aircraft RV-10 kit plane, which is scheduled for its first flight later in 2026.
• The company is exhibiting the RV-10 and its broader product range at the SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida.
• The FAA's Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) rules are expected to widen the definition of light sport aircraft and expand permitted use cases, a regulatory development magniX identifies as a key growth opportunity for the magniAIR platform.
• The electrification of flight trainers is highlighted as a primary application, with magniX citing the rising cost of obtaining a pilot licence — driven by fuel prices and maintenance costs on an ageing training fleet, much of which dates to the 1970s — as the core commercial rationale for the product.
• Electric propulsion delivers a lower cost of operation than combustion engines through the elimination of fuel costs and reduced maintenance requirements, as well as zero carbon emissions.

Statements

• "magniAIR electric engines coupled with our industry-leading Samson batteries can be used for any application currently powered by a 120-175 kW piston engine. Thanks to magniX's full powertrain, integration is simple and cost effective, bringing electric flight to kit plane builders and enthusiasts," said Reed Macdonald, CEO, magniX.
• "Many training aircraft in use today were manufactured in the 1970s. Fuel prices and maintenance costs are causing the cost of flight training to rise at the same time as the industry faces an acute shortage of pilots. magniAIR offers to reduce the expense of flight training and other small aircraft applications with a lower cost of operation, reduced maintenance, and zero carbon emissions," said Ben Loxton, VP of New Product Development, magniX.

About magniX
magniX, headquartered in Everett, Washington, develops electric powertrains and high-energy batteries for the electrification of aircraft, with technology deployed on fixed-wing aircraft, eVTOLs, and retrofitted helicopters. Its full powertrain offering — comprising electric engines, power electronics, and the Samson battery system — targets reduced emissions and lower operating costs across general aviation, flight training, eVTOL, and defence applications.

Source: magniX