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magniX Introduces HeliStorm Electric Engines for Rotorcraft

Our Bureau - : Mar 10, 2025 - : 11:12 pm

magniX has announced a new series of lightweight, high-speed electric engines designed for helicopters, including light single-engine models and larger hybrid-electric twin-engine rotorcraft. The HeliStorm engines can also be used for airborne power generation. The first engine in the range...

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The first engine in the range delivers a peak power output of 330kW while weighing 75 kg. It operates at speeds between 6,000 and 7,000 RPM and is significantly lighter than turbine engines used in similar aircraft. The power output can be scaled to different requirements, and the engines incorporate advanced fault-handling capabilities. In hybrid-electric applications, the system can extend range through airborne power generation.

magniX has drawn on its experience from multiple flight test programmes, including integrations with Robinson R44 helicopters. A Robinson R44 powered by a magniX electric motor made its first flight on 4 June 2022 at Los Alamitos Army Airfield in California. The programme later achieved the first point-to-point flight of an electric helicopter.

“The helicopter market represents a tremendous opportunity for magniX, as the strengths of our technology align well with the market need,” said Reed Macdonald, CEO of magniX. “magniX’s HeliStorm engines expand upon our existing world leading capabilities and deliver a step change in performance, reliability, and value for our customers. We look forward to bringing our innovative technology to another segment of the aviation industry.”

“Our HeliStorm engines are designed for the specific demands of vertical lift applications and will give magniX the ability to electrify a wider range of platforms,” said Riona Armesmith, magniX’s Chief Technology Officer. “This new product line enables us to build on our unparallelled performance of powering different aircraft with our industry leading electric powertrains.”

“magniX has a proven track record when it comes to powering our R44 with their electric motors,” said David Smith, CEO of Robinson Helicopters. “Robinson is supportive of magniX’s HeliStorm electric engine range and we look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts to deliver market leading sustainable helicopters.”

Based in Everett, Washington, magniX develops powertrains and batteries for electrified transportation. Its full electric powertrain provides an integrated system for aircraft electrification. The company's batteries are designed for both fully electric and hybrid-electric aircraft, as well as applications in helicopters, eVTOLs, and marine vessels.

Magnix / Helistorm /

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