FutureFlight
Ampaire Acquires Electric ‘Aerotow’ Developer Magpie Aviation
Hybrid-electric powertrain pioneer Ampaire is expanding its portfolio of sustainable flight solutions with the acquisition of Magpie, a start-up developing an autonomous tow for electric aircraft.
Ampaire's Eco Caravan is pictured outside the company's hangar at Camarillo Airport in California. The Eco Caravan is tethered to a PIK-20D glider that Magpie has been using to test its electric aircraft tug.
Ampaire's Eco Caravan is pictured outside the company's hangar at Camarillo Airport in California. The Eco Caravan is tethered to a PIK-20D glider that Magpie has been using to test its electric aircraft tug. (Photo: Ampaire)

Hybrid-electric powertrain pioneer Ampaire is further expanding its portfolio of sustainable flight solutions with the acquisition of Magpie Aviation, a start-up that’s developing an autonomous “aerotow” to extend the range of large electric aircraft by tugging them through the atmosphere. 

Los Angeles-based Ampaire has spent the past seven years developing hybrid-electric propulsion systems as retrofits for existing aircraft to reduce emissions and fuel costs. But recently the powertrain specialist has been branching out into new territories. In July, Ampaire announced its acquisition of Talyn Air, a start-up developing a unique dual-vehicle eVTOL system. 

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