MagniX’s “breakthrough” to a viable, certificatable battery
MagniX, an electric motor manufacturer for electric aircraft, wholly owned by Singapore investor Clermont Group, is headquartered in Everett, Washington, United States. It announced (see below article) a potential breakthrough in the development of a power source for GREENER aircraft of a range of sizes and missions. As the cover image suggests, the company has been patient and careful in its innovations. ManiX was founded in 2009 in Australia to research various technologies for electric motors. In 2017, it developed a motor that became their prototype and led to pivoting the company to focus on electric aviation
All of aviation faces a Big, Hairy, Audacious Goal[1] of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. One promising path to that target is the use of electricity from batteries. However, many critics doubt this approach because the batteries are too heavy and not able to power for longer flights.
So what does the ManiX Samson deliver?
Wikipedia shows the range of potential uses through this table of customers—
*see also the aircraft mentioned by ManiX below*
As with every new technology, the designed performance and the actual operations do not always match. The three aircraft mentioned are recording numbers that appear to meet expectations, but the best news is that their flights are creating the data upon which TC certification organizations RELY.
Technical innovators are always focused on the specifications sought by the potential buyers, but all too frequently that concentration overlooks an essential element needed to make the desired sales—CERTIFICATION. MagniX’s degree of sophistication and real world awareness is demonstrated by its stating that the Samson is “DESIGNED FOR CERTIFICATION”. A lesson for all entrepreneurs; it is highly advisable to include in your project team a SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT who knows the relevant requirements of all of the civil aviation authorities which will have authority to determine its airworthiness.
MagniX introduces ‘breakthrough’ Samson battery line for electric aircraft
By Howard Hardee24 June 2024
US electric propulsion developer MagniX is rolling out a new line of high-performance batteries known as SAMSON, promising “industry-leading energy density” to support the fledgling electric aviation industry.
The Everett, Washington-based company said on 24 June that the first iteration of its Samson battery line – the Samson300 – will deliver 300WH/kg and a CYCLE LIFE OF 1,000 “FULL-DEPTH DISCHARGES to reduce operating costs”.
The product line represents a “breakthrough for MagniX and electric aviation”, says BEN LOXTON, vice-president of energy storage systems and the NASA Electric Powertrain Flight Demonstration programme at MagniX.
“With unrivalled energy density, cycle life and safety features, MagniX’s Samson batteries will help to unlock the tremendous potential of electric flight – enabling many eVTOLs and electric programmes on the edge of viability to become viable.”
MagniX says its Samson300 battery is “DESIGNED FOR CERTIFICATION” under civil aviation regulations
MagniX, which is developing electric propulsion systems for a variety of light aircraft – including electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles – says that pairing Samson batteries with its electric motors “provides customers with a fully optimised and integrated powertrain for aerospace”.
Increasing the energy density of batteries has been a high priority for the electric aviation sector, with ranges and payloads limited by currently available technology. MagniX’s battery line is intended to maximise energy density for aviation and other high-performance applications.
It is also designed for fast turnaround times,” with active on-ground cooling during charging, and the option for passive cooling in flight, minimising weight and complexity in the aircraft”. The company claims the battery’s modular architecture will allow it to support larger aircraft.
REED MACDONALD, appointed chief executive of MagniX last month, adds that the Samson300 is “just the beginning”.
“The roadmap to an energy density of 400Wh/kg or more is looking very promising,” he says.
In April, Canadian seaplane operator HARBOUR AIR signalled intention to purchase 50 electric propulsion systems from MagniX, a move supporting its goal of creating a fleet of all-electric De Havilland Canada aircraft.
MagniX supports development of Eviation’s all-electric Alice commuter aircraft, which is currently powered by twin 700kW Magni650 motors.
The Magni650 electric propulsion unit has also been applied to Universal Hydrogen’s modified De Havilland Canada Dash 8-300 demonstrator.
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[1] BHAG is a concept developed in the book Built to Last. A BHAG (pronounced “Bee Hag,” short for “Big Hairy Audacious Goal”) is a powerful way to stimulate progress. A BHAG is clear and compelling, needing little explanation; people get it right away. Think of the NASA moon mission of the 1960s. The best BHAGs require both building for the long term AND exuding a relentless sense of urgency:
