magniX Launches Electric Engine for General Aviation

The magniAIR air-cooled electric engine is designed for experimental, light sport, and electric flight trainers.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 6:00am

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of a complex, futuristic-looking electric engine, with intricate mechanical components illuminated by neon cyan and magenta lights, conceptually representing the technological innovation of the magniAIR engine.The magniAIR electric engine, designed to bring the benefits of electric propulsion to the general aviation market, glows with high-tech luminescence.Lakeland Today

The electric aviation company magniX has launched the magniAIR electric engine for general aviation, initially targeting 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 exhibiting the RV-10 and other products at the SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida.

Why it matters

The launch of the magniAIR electric engine represents a significant step in bringing electric propulsion to the general aviation market, which includes recreational and training aircraft. This could help reduce the cost of flight training and make aviation more accessible, while also reducing carbon emissions.

The details

The magniAIR leverages magniX's engine architecture, safety and fault handling capabilities, and flight experience to bring electric power to general aviation. The engine offers a power-to-weight ratio of 175kW at 55kg and can be integrated as part of a full magniX powertrain into a range of aircraft in that class. magniX is offering a fully integrated powertrain comprising electric engines, power electronics, and the Samson battery product. The company believes the lower cost of operation and reduced maintenance requirements of electric propulsion will benefit kit plane builders, enthusiasts, and flight trainers.

  • The magniAIR electric engine will be available for purchase in 2027.
  • The Van's Aircraft RV-10 kit plane featuring the magniAIR engine is scheduled for its first flight later this year.

The players

magniX

An electric aviation company that has launched the magniAIR electric engine for general aviation.

Van's Aircraft

A manufacturer of kit planes that is integrating the magniAIR engine into its RV-10 model.

Reed Macdonald

The CEO of magniX.

Ben Loxton

The VP of New Product Development at magniX.

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What they’re saying

“We are very excited to bring the marvel of electric flight to a new segment of the market.”

— Reed Macdonald, CEO, magniX

“Many training aircraft in use today were manufactured in the 1970s. 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.”

— Ben Loxton, VP of New Product Development, magniX

What’s next

The magniAIR electric engine will be available for purchase in 2027, and the Van's Aircraft RV-10 kit plane featuring the engine is scheduled for its first flight later this year.

The takeaway

The launch of the magniAIR electric engine represents a significant step in bringing electric propulsion to the general aviation market, which could help reduce the cost of flight training and make aviation more accessible, while also reducing carbon emissions.