Melbourne-based aerospace manufacturer Kite Magnetics has opened its green aviation test facility. This features electric motor testing capabilities, including an in-house designed and built dynamometer and thrust stand, demonstrating Kite's commitment to becoming a major player in the rapidly evolving electric aircraft propulsion industry. During a launch event, VIPs were also treated to a view of Kite’s 120kW electric engine in action for the very first time. Their first product, called the KM-120, is now undergoing extensive performance evaluation and reliability testing in preparation for flight testing in early 2024.

Kite Magnetics KM-120 Electric Propulsion System, which is small enough to fit in a packed travel suitcase but more powerful than most small cars, includes an 800V inverter and an air-cooled gearless electric motor with variable pitch propeller support. Designed for fixed-wing electric training aircraft and the emerging eVTOL market, their system leverages their proprietary AeropermTM magnetic materials technology to reach efficiencies greater than 98%.

Dr. Richard Parsons, Founder and CEO of Kite Magnetics, presented a rare sneak peek into their ambitious plans for future product expansion and to spoke to the benefits of their Aeroperm technology.

“Aeroperm, which lies at the heart of our motors and has a 10 times reduction in energy loss, enables our motors to be smaller, lighter and more efficient than anything else in our class. It is this technology that will enable us to make electric aircraft engines that will one day power all of us into the sky”.

Dr. Parsons also expressed pride in the rapid progress of his engineering team: “In under 12 months and for less than one million USD we have progressed from an empty warehouse to a world-class test facility and a rapidly growing product line-up”.

The event also included presentations from key customers and cornerstone investors such as Breakthrough Victoria, the Victorian Government’s two billion dollar investment fund, who welcomed the aviation industry's pressing need for change in light of global climate change.