Siemens-FlyEco Magnus eFusion

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]

Magnus eFusion
Role	Hybrid electric aircraft
National origin	Germany/Hungary
Manufacturer	Siemens and FlyEco
First flight	11 April 2018
Status	Production planned (2018)

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]

Specifications (Magnus eFusion)

Data from Baker^[1]

General characteristics

• Crew: one
• Capacity: one passenger
• Powerplant: 1 × Siemens SP55D electric motor
• Powerplant: 1 × Smart Car three-cylinder automotive conversion diesel engine for battery charging in-flight
• Propellers: 3-bladed composite

See also

• List of electric aircraft

References

1. Baker, Jason (2 April 2018). "Aero: Siemens And FlyEco Show Off Hybrid". AVweb. Retrieved 25 April 2018.
2. Trimble, Stephen (1 June 2018). "Electric-powered Magnus eFusion crash in Hungary kills two". Flightglobal. Retrieved 4 June 2018.
3. Grady, Mary (2 October 2018). "Magnus eFusion Report: No Battery Fire". AVweb. Retrieved 3 October 2018.
4. Martini, Frank (2 April 2019). "Magnus eFusion – Pilotenfehler führte zum Unfall". aerokurier.de. Archived from the original on 29 August 2020. Retrieved 29 August 2020.