Airbus has selected Magicall to supply the electric motors to power its CityAirbus NextGen eVTOL aircraft. The four-passenger, fixed-wing aircraft will use an adapted version of the California propulsion specialist’s latest MagiDrive motors.

In a May 10 announcement, Airbus said that the selection of the electric propulsion system will enable it to complete the development of the CityAirbus prototype, which it intends to start flight testing in 2023, en route to type certification in 2025. The all-electric aircraft will feature a fixed-wing, a V-shaped tail, and eight propellers, with a projected range of 50 miles and a cruise speed of 75 mph.

The MagiDrive system consists of lightweight brushless motors and will also include Magicall’s latest magnetic and power electronics technology. The motor and control system will be integrated as part of a fully enclosed, air-cooled propulsion unit.

“We are proud to benefit from the experience of Magicall to develop the electric propulsion system of CityAirbus NextGen,” said Joerg Mueller, Airbus’s head of urban air mobility. “The electric motors are a major component of our prototype: the high torque and low weight of the MagiDrive, as well as its robust design, will be highly beneficial for the overall efficiency of the aircraft.”

Magicall was founded in 2004 and has already contributed its expertise in magnetic and power electronic solutions for several partners in the aerospace sector. It provided Airbus with motors for its single-seat Vahana eVTOL technology demonstrator, which was used to develop the concept for its planned production model.

Other program partners for the CityAirbus aircraft include Spirit AeroSystems, which is working on the wings. Thales and Diehl are working to develop flight control computers.