Siemens-FlyEco Magnus eFusion explained

The Siemens-FlyEco Magnus eFusion is a German hybrid diesel-electric aircraft that was designed by Siemens and FlyEco, introduced at the AERO Friedrichshafen show in 2018. The aircraft is intended for series production as a ready-to-fly design.[1]

The design was first flown on 11 April 2018 in Hungary.[1] On 31 May 2018, the prototype crashed in Hungary, while on a training flight, killing its two occupants.[2]

Design and development

The aircraft featured a cantilever low-wing, a two-seat side-by-side configuration enclosed cockpit under a bubble canopy, fixed tricycle landing gear, and a single engine in tractor configuration.[1]

The aircraft was made from composites. The power train consisted of a Siemens SP55D electric motor which was intended to be powered by batteries for take-off and landing. A FlyEco three-cylinder diesel engine, derived from a Smart Car engine, with common rail injection and electronic controls, was intended to recharge the batteries in flight for extended range.[1]

Accidents and incidents

The prototype crashed in Hungary on 31 May 2018 killing both occupants. The aircraft was on a training flight at the time. The accident investigation concluded that the crash was most likely due to pilot error in causing a high bank-angle stall close to the ground.[2] [3] [4]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Aero: Siemens And FlyEco Show Off Hybrid. 25 April 2018. Baker . Jason. AVweb. 2 April 2018.
  2. News: Electric-powered Magnus eFusion crash in Hungary kills two . 1 June 2018 . Trimble . Stephen. Flightglobal. 4 June 2018.
  3. Web site: Magnus eFusion Report: No Battery Fire. 3 October 2018. Grady. Mary. AVweb . 2 October 2018.
  4. Web site: Magnus eFusion – Pilotenfehler führte zum Unfall. 29 August 2020. Martini. Frank. aerokurier.de. 2 April 2019. https://archive.today/20200829223818/https://www.aerokurier.de/elektroflug/magnus-efusion-pilotenfehler-fuehrte-zum-unfall/. 29 August 2020. live.