A Cessna Caravan converted by electric aircraft motor making MagniX and AeroTEC flying over the Grant County International Airport in May 2020. The two companies will be producing similar hybrid-electric aircraft under a deal with Los Angeles-based Surface Air Mobility and expect the first of the hybrid planes to fly in 2024.
May 18, 2022
Stories this photo appears in:
Morning roundup: Big Bend in second seed, hybrid aircraft, Warden shuts out Granger
Our local sports teams are making an impressive showing, and our aviation industry is gearing up to fly the electric skies. Here’s what’s happening in the Basin today:
Local firm to develop hybrid aircraft
MOSES LAKE — AeroTEC and electric aircraft motor maker MagniX announced on Wednesday a major deal with Los Angeles-based electric aircraft pioneer Surf Air Mobility to produce and certify a hybrid-electric Cessna Caravan aircraft usable by smaller airlines across the country. Under the arrangement, AeroTEC — which specializes in aircraft modification, testing and certification — will develop, engineer, test and certify the aircraft using MagniX electric motors and Surf Air Mobility’s proprietary technology to eventually convert as many as 100 Cessna Caravans to hybrid-electric power. “This is a very exciting program,” said AeroTEC founder and President Lee Human. “We’re going to produce a fully certified aircraft for use as a regional (commercial) aircraft.” ...