FutureFlight
Maglev Aero Pursues Aviation Use Case for Magnetic Levitation
The Boston-based start-up is raising funds to develop its HyperDrive system for new aircraft, including eVTOL vehicles.
Maglev Aero's magnetic levitation concept for aircraft
Maglev Aero says magnetic levitation technology already in use with high-speed trains could now be applied to electric aircraft. (Image: Maglev Aero)

Maglev Aero is taking a radically different approach to distributed electric propulsion for new aircraft, having recently gone public with its plans for what it calls its Hyperdrive system. The Boston-based start-up is using the proceeds from a seed funding round to prepare for iron bird ground testing as it works towards being able to support a flying prototype in around two or three years from now.

The company says it is now in early talks with aircraft developers who may have an interest in deploying a propulsion system that would be the first aviation application of magnetic levitation. It also recently announced a partnership with GE Additive’s Addworks unit to develop additive manufacturing technologies and materials for the Hyperdrive.