FIRST FLIGHT OF THE ECARAVAN

MAGNIX AND AEROTEC’S ALL-ELECTRIC CESSNA 208B TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATOR

Caravan, referred to as the eCaravan. At the time, it was the largest commercial all-electric aircraft to fly, a milestone achievement in the flight testing of electric powered aircraft. The test team was a combination of magniX subject matter experts, with extensive flight test experience, and AeroTEC Flight Test Engineering, Instrumentation, Test Pilot, Maintenance and Operational staff. The program brought together several outsourced components and required strict configuration control to ensure the success and safety of the flight test program. Potential hazards were documented and discussed, and a thorough risk mitigation plan was put into place to address the complexity of the system, integration and new technology employed. Critical component failure during crucial phases of flight were taken into consideration and mitigation strategies were not only extensively practiced but actually employed during the flight. This paper will examine the methods and processes used to modify the platform, prepare for the flights, mitigate identified risks, and execute the flight test program. READ NOW

Ben Loxton, Ph. D.

magniX, Head of Test and Aircraft Integration

Jennifer Uchida

AeroTEC, Test Engineering Manager

Steven Crane

Allied Approach Group, LLC, Principal, Flight Test, Associate Fellow