eCaravan Flies

The world’s largest all-electric aircraft made its first flight from Grant County International Airport in Washington on May 28.  The electric powered, Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, now called the eCaravan, is a collaboration between engine company magniX and aerospace company AeroTEC.  The electric engine is a 750-horsepower (560kW) magni500 propulsion system which operates using two tons of lithium-ion batteries and cooling equipment.

While the aircraft didn’t have room for passengers, other than the test pilot, it flew to prove that a plane of that size can be powered by an electric motor.  The test aircraft flew for about 30 minutes before landing.

Electric propulsion systems burn no fuel, give off no emissions, and are less complex that fuel-burning engines which means they cost less to operate. 

MagniX CEO Roei Ganzarski expects certification of his propulsion system by the end of next year.