U.S.-based aerospace testing and engineering specialist AeroTec (Hall 3, Washington State Pavilion A82) and electric aircraft propulsion system manufacturer magniX (Hall 2B DE18) announced at the Paris Air Show plans to test and certify the 750-hp magni500 system on a Cessna 208 Caravan. AeroTec will be responsible for the Caravan’s modification design, integration, and flight tests. The modifications are already under way at AeroTec’s flight test Center in Moses Lake, Washington, with first flight coming by year’s end, AeroTec said. 

“The electric aviation revolution is very real, and AeroTec is the right team to help innovative aviation companies like magniX bring their technology to the market sooner,” said AeroTec president and founder Lee Human.

MagniX propulsion systems, unveiled in Paris this year, are being certified on the de Havilland Beaver as well, and are installed in Eviation’s all-electric Alice commuter aircraft prototype, which also debuted at the show. 

Calling a first retrofit on the Caravan “no small feat,” magniX CEO and founder Roel Ganzarski said, “Electrifying existing aircraft enables flexible, clean air-travel and package delivery options at a fraction of the cost” of operating conventionally powered aircraft.