Electric Aircraft Completes Milestone 1,403 Mile Flight
SEATTLE, Washington – Aviation history was made this week when an all-electric Cessna eCaravan aircraft completed a milestone journey of 1,403 miles from Washington state to Arizona. The four-day multi-leg flight marks the farthest distance travelled by an electric commercial aircraft to date.
The eCaravan took off from Felts Field in Spokane, Washington earlier this week. With two pilots on board, along with 2500 pounds of batteries spread across eight modules, the retrofitted Cessna Grand Caravan made its way southbound. The aircraft features a cruiser speed of 175 mph and can carry 6 passengers with a max range of 440 miles on full charge.
Over the course of its journey south, the eCaravan made three scheduled 30-45 minute charging stops in Grant County, New Mexico; Fort Stockton, Texas; and Mesa, Arizona; before reaching its final destination at the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. At each stop, charging technicians used diesel generators to recharge the batteries while technicians monitored battery temperatures.
“This moment represents a major step forward in the progression of locally carbon-neutral aviation,” said Roei Ganzarski, CEO of magniX, the company which built the 750 horsepower magni500 propulsion unit for the eCaravan. “We’ve proven range and reliability for clean regional mobility.”
Partners on this project included AeroTEC, which handled eCaravan modifications, flight testing, and flight operations. The success of this flight proves battery-powered aircraft can deliver the range and efficiency needed for commercial cargo and passenger applications under 500 miles. Aviation experts predict rapid adoption of electric aircraft for short and medium distances over the coming decade.
