R44 Makes First Flight with MagniX Electric Propulsion | Aviation International News

R44 Makes First Flight with MagniX Electric Propulsion

Tier 1 Engineering plans to build fleet of all-electric R-44s for organ transport using MagniX propulsion.

The first flight of an all-electric Robinson R44 using MagniX electric propulsion on June 4. (Photo: Tier 1 Engineering)

By Mark Huber • Contributor

June 8, 2022

Tier 1 Engineering conducted the first flight of an all-electric Robinson R44 using the MagniX electric propulsion unit (EPU). The three-minute flight took place June 4 at the Los Alamitos Army Airfield in Southern California. Tier 1 integrated its battery system and the MagniX EPU on the helicopter, which is being developed for Lung Biotechnology PBC, a biotech company that is focused on alleviating the shortage of transplantable human organs.

"This historic flight, of an all-electric helicopter with a certifiable electric engine, was an important step towards obtaining aircraft certification. We are excited to expand the flight tests to greater distances and demonstrate safe, reliable all-electric flight," said Tier 1 president Glen Dromgoole. Tier 1 is working with the Los Angeles FAA Aircraft Certification Office (ACO) on the “e-R44” project to obtain a supplemental type certificate for the conversion program. Lung Biotechnology PBC plans to acquire a fleet of the aircraft to fly transplant organs.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

MagniX

Robinson Helicopter Company

DTA Pitches Two-seat Hybrid eVTOL

French gyroplane maker brings its JP1 multicopter to NBAA-BACE

DTA's two-seat JP1 hybrid eVTOL flies at dusk during uncrewed flight testing in France.

Aero Friedrichshafen Gives Helicopters More Lift in 2027

Expanded helicopter presence spans executive and general aviation

Bell helicopter on static display in exhibition hall

Aviation Wins with Reversal of Indy Heliport Closure

Plans called for selling the 5.36-acre property to the city of Indianapolis

VAI's Cade Clark and Katia Veraza

Romania Orders 12 SAFE-backed H225M Helicopters

Initial fleet renewal could precede additional 30 domestically assembled units

Two H225Ms in flight

Falcon Executive Cleared for Flights at Dubai Helipark

Facility at Al Maktoum International Airport will complement the group’s FBO

Dubai Helipark

Aero Asset: Twin-engine Helicopter Sales Activity Up

Pricing on heavy twins reached a five-year high in the first half

Sikorsky S-92 in flight

Louisiana Rotor Pathway Advances Rotorcraft Careers

Program started with Utah and North Dakota

Airbus Helicopters H215 Super Puma helicopter

Nepal Relief Efforts Need More Support and Coordination

Local rotorcraft industry leader urges international partners to get involved in crisis

Nepal army helicopter