magniX, a Seattle-based manufacturer of electric motors for aviation applications, has announced the launch of a new engine range for the nascent electric helicopter industry.
The announcement was made during Verticon, a professional event for the rotorcraft industry taking place in Dallas, Texas, between March 10 and 13, 2025.
The new engine range, which is called “HeliStorm”, is designed for rotor speeds of 6,000-7,000 revolutions per minute (RPM) and it is lighter than turbine engines for similar aircraft. It can equip both single and twin-engine hybrid-electric rotorcraft.
The first engine in this new range weighs 75 kg and is able to provide peak power of 330kW. The engine can be coupled with magniX Samson batteries.
“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,” said Reed Macdonald, CEO of magniX in a press statement announcing the new product launch.
Although the emerging eVTOL industry has received a good deal of media attention over the last few years, manufacturers of conventional helicopters have also been making strides in electrification.
In June 2022, a Robinson R44 helicopter fitted with magniX motors conducted a successful first electrically powered test flight at the Los Alamitos Army Airfield in California.
