Aircraft
Electric-powered Grand Caravan Makes 30-minute First Flight
Magnix is partnering with AeroTec to re-engine the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan single turboprop with an electric propulsion system.
A Cessna Grand Caravan, re-engined with an electric propulsion system by Magnix and AeroTec, made a 30-minute first flight on May 28. [Photo: Magnix]
A Cessna Grand Caravan, re-engined with an electric propulsion system by Magnix and AeroTec, made a 30-minute first flight on May 28. [Photo: Magnix]

Magnix on Thursday made the first flight with a prototype of a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan aircraft powered by its 750-hp Magni500 all-electric propulsion system. The aircraft took off from Grant County International Airport in Moses Lake, Washington, and landed more than 30 minutes later after conducting some basic maneuvers.

According to Magnix and its partner AeroTec, the Grand Caravan is the largest aircraft to have flown with an all-electric propulsion system. The companies are developing the re-engined turboprop single under the name eCaravan and are aiming to achieve certification by the end of 2021.