magniX, a company focused on powering the electric aviation revolution, has launched a new range of lightweight, high-speed “electric engines” for helicopters. The HeliStorm engines are basically permanent-magnet synchronous AC motors designed for rotorcraft from light single engine to larger hybrid-electric twin engine models as well as for airborne power generation. They can be powered by batteries or fuel cells.
Combined with the company’s Samson batteries, the engines enable the company to offer a complete electric solution for rotorcraft. The first engine in the range provides peak power of 330kW at a weight of just 75 kg. They have an operating speed rated at 6,000-7,000 rpm and significantly lighter weight than turbine engines for similar aircraft. The capability for airborne power generation extends the range of hybrid-electric platforms.
With this new range of engines, magniX is leveraging its years of experience across many flight test programs, including two separate integrations with Robinson R44 helicopters. The first electric Robinson R44 helicopter powered by a magniX motor flew in mid-2022 at the Los Alamitos Army Airfield in California. This was a significant milestone in the development of electric aviation and subsequent tests went on to deliver the world’s first point-to-point flight of an electric helicopter.
“The helicopter market represents a tremendous opportunity for magniX, as the strengths of our technology align well with the market need,” said Reed Macdonald, CEO of magniX. The company is headquartered in Everett, Washington.
“Our HeliStorm engines are designed for the specific demands of vertical lift applications and will give magniX the ability to electrify a wider range of platforms,” said Riona Armesmith, magniX’s Chief Technology Officer. “This new product line enables us to build on our unparallelled performance of powering different aircraft with our industry leading electric powertrains.”
“magniX has a proven track record when it comes to powering our R44 with their electric motors,” said David Smith, CEO of Robinson Helicopters based in Torrance, California. “Robinson is supportive of magniX’s HeliStorm electric engine range and we look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts to deliver market leading sustainable helicopters.”
In March, a project the two companies collaborated on resulted in a historic test flight of a fuel cell-powered Robinson helicopter. The project was for Unither Bioelectronique in Quebec, Canada which is seeking to pioneer hydrogen-powered electric helicopter flight for organ delivery. See www.magnix.aero and www.robinsonheli.com.
