14 April 2026

magniX Launches New Electric Engine for the General Aviation Market

  • The magniAIR air-cooled electric engine for general aviation offers best-in-class power-to-weight, low cost of operation, and reduced maintenance
  • magniX is integrating magniAIR as part of a full magniX powertrain into a Van’s Aircraft RV-10 kit plane scheduled for first flight this year
  • magniAIR is designed initially for experimental as well as light sport aircraft and electric flight trainers


A render of the RV-10 being electrified using magniAIR as part of a full magniX powertrain.


Everett, WA & Lakeland, FL – April 14, 2026 - magniX, the company powering the electric aviation revolution, today announced the launch of the magniAIR electric engine for general aviation, initially targeted at the class of aircraft used for recreational flying and flight training. magniX is integrating the magniAIR as part of a full magniX powertrain into a Van’s Aircraft RV-10 kit plane scheduled for first flight later this year with the motor available to purchase in 2027. The company is currently exhibiting the RV-10 and a range of its other products at the SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida, U.S.


magniAIR leverages magniX’s groundbreaking engine architecture, industry leading safety and fault handling capabilities, and unrivaled flight experience to bring the electric age to general aviation. magniAIR will deliver class-leading power-to-weight of 175 kW at 55kg and can be seamlessly integrated as part of a full magniX powertrain into a range of aircraft in that class.

Bringing Electric Flight to Kit Plane Builders and Enthusiasts

magniX is the only company offering a fully-integrated powertrain comprising electric engines, power electronics, and the industry-leading Samson battery product. Electric propulsion offers a lower cost of operation than traditional combustion engines due to its lack of fuel usage and reduced maintenance requirements. magniAIR will initially bring these benefits to kit plane builders and enthusiasts, breaking down barriers to airplane ownership and popularizing recreational flying.


With the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA’s) Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) rules expected to widen the definition of light sport aircraft (LSA) and enable a broader range of use cases, magniAIR is positioned to meet this opportunity as well. Among its prime applications is the electrification of flight trainers, addressing the growing cost of obtaining a pilot's license. It is also targeted at adjacencies in eVTOLs and defense.


“We are very excited to bring the marvel of electric flight to a new segment of the market,” said Reed Macdonald, CEO of magniX. “magniAIR electric engines coupled with our industry-leading Samson batteries can be used for any application currently powered by a 120-175 kW piston engine. Thanks to magniX’s full powertrain, integration is simple and cost effective, bringing electric flight to kit plane builders and enthusiasts.”


“Many training aircraft in use today were manufactured in the 1970s,” said Ben Loxton, VP of New Product Development at magniX. “Fuel prices and maintenance costs are causing the cost of flight training to rise at the same time as the industry faces an acute shortage of pilots. magniAIR offers to reduce the expense of flight training and other small aircraft applications with a lower cost of operation, reduced maintenance, and zero carbon emissions.”


About magniX
Headquartered in Everett, Washington State, U.S., magniX is a technology company developing powertrains and batteries for the electrification of transportation. magniX's full electric powertrain offers customers an integrated system for electrifying aircraft. magniX industry-leading Samson batteries provide a safe, practical solution for battery electric and hybrid electric aircraft, and are also ideally suited to power helicopters, eVTOLs, and marine craft. For further information, please visit www.magnix.aero.

Contact
media@magniX.aero


Read coverage here:
magniX Targets Flight Training Market With Electric Engine, Aviation Week
Electric Powertrains Launched for General Aviation Aircraft, Aerospace Testing International
magniX Launches Electric Engine for General Aviation, Aerospace Manufacturing and Design
magniX Targets Light GA Applications with New Electric Motor, AvBrief
Get in Touch

Do you have any questions, comments or thoughts that you would like to share with us?

* Mandatory Fields
By submitting this form, you agree to be contacted by email for assistance on our services.
Success Thank you for getting in touch!

We appreciate you contacting us. One of our colleagues will get back in touch with you soon!

Have a great day!