US-based magniX has tested its 350HP all-electric motor featuring an aircraft propeller onboard a Cessna ‘Iron Bird’ airplane.

The test enabled magniX to bring its commercial-grade electric motors out of test cells and use them on a commercial aircraft platform.

magniX chief design engineer David Sercombe said: “When initially working on this technology, we knew we would be creating incredibly powerful electric propulsion capabilities that aerospace engineers and aircraft designers could use to foster a culture of lower cost, cleaner and sustainable transport solutions.

“From design to prototype, dyno test cell success to now turning an aircraft propeller, we are one step closer to powering the future of electric aviation.”

Currently, fuel is estimated to account for 30% to 50% of a carrier’s operating costs, and even an increase of 1% to the price of fuel creates an additional annual cost of $200m for US airlines.

“With this milestone, we bring the industry one step closer to fulfilling that vision.”

Aviation is also responsible for creating around 5% of global human-created CO² emissions.

magniX CEO Roei Ganzarski said: “Our team of engineers has been diligently working toward this critical milestone and today we take the next step in leading the aviation industry into its next revolution.

“At magniX, it is the enhanced connecting of communities that we focus on because that is what will push us as an industry to transform aviation into its ultimate form – zero reliance on fossil fuel and zero emissions.

“With this milestone, we bring the industry one step closer to fulfilling that vision.”

Over the next one year, magniX plans to advance its propulsion solutions, including testing its 750HP propulsion system on a Cessna 208 Caravan plane next year.