This 62-Year-Old Seaplane Just Took The World's First All Electric Flight

The aviation industry experienced a major accomplishment recently as the world¡¯s first all electric seaplane took flight in Vancouver, Canada. The short test flight was conducted in a six-passenger seaplane that used an electric motor in place of the regular IC engine used in aircrafts.

Harbour Air and magniX, the two firms involved in the achievement are claiming it to be the stepping stone for the "world's first all-electric commercial fleet". The firms eventually want to establish a mechanism in place to do away with the high carbon emissions involved with flying aircrafts.

"This historic flight signifies the start of the third era in aviation - the electric age," Harbour Air and magniX said in a statement.

World¡¯s first all electric flight

As for the flight, a 62-year old DHC-2 de Havilland Beaver aircraft was used, fitted with a 560 kW (750 hp) magni500 propulsion system developed by magniX. The propulsion system was first introduced during the Paris Air Show earlier this year. The company aims to use it in a commercial fleet by as soon as 2022. Read all about MagniX¡¯s electric propulsion system here.

Simultaneously, Canadian seaplane firm Harbour Air is also targeting the year to electrify its entire fleet of seaplanes. With the magniX propulsion system, the only challenge might be to secure the safety and regulatory approvals.

Impending challenges

The prime factor limiting the use of such electric aircrafts would be the limited flying range that they can deliver as of now. For this, an exponential increase in the energy density of batteries, maybe through an improved battery technology is the key. The idea is also to limit the weight of such batteries while increasing their corresponding output.

The aircraft flown in Vancouver could only fly about 160 km (100 miles) on its lithium battery, as per a report by AFP. "The [flight] range now is not where we'd love it to be, but it's enough to start the revolution," magniX chief executive Roei Ganzarski, was quoted as saying.

In addition, the limited number of passengers also reveals the restricted maximum power available through the aircraft's motor. If the target is to use the technology for a commercial fleet, a lot more power to carry a lot more passengers will eventually be required.

Another challenge will be to pass the set of regulations for such all-electric aircraft. Electric motors are a comparatively new technology as a propulsion system for aircraft and hence might have to go several additional tests before actually being airborne.