Ampaire, a developer of hybrid electric aircraft systems, has acquired Magpie Aviation, a developer of innovative electric aviation technologies. The acquisition will broaden Ampaire’s IP and contract portfolio through Magpie’s multiple pending patents and government contracts.

With the acquisition of Magpie, Ampaire continues to multiply applications for its hybrid electric propulsion systems, which can be integrated into general aviation and regional turboprop commercial aircraft. Ampaire’s systems have flown more than 25,000 miles to date, the most hybrid electric flight time in the industry, according to the company.

Based in Silicon Valley, Magpie has been developing technologies to improve the performance and broaden the impact of electrified aircraft. In 2023, the company demonstrated the first automated towing connections between two flying aircraft. Magpie has secured important government contracts, including with the US Air Force, which Ampaire will continue.

In February, Ampaire completed its first ground test utilizing pure 100% ASTM D7566 Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) produced by Dimensional Energy from electricity and carbon dioxide—i.e., e-SAF.

Ampaire conducted ground testing using its Eco Caravan hybrid electric aircraft to validate the performance and viability of Dimensional Energy’s pure e-fuel SAF. Ampaire said that the results exceeded expectations, demonstrating a remarkable increase in efficiency compared to traditional aviation fuels.

Ampaire’s AMP-H570 AMP Drive hybrid electric propulsion units are capable of 50 to 70% reduction in fuel and emissions as compared to conventional Pratt & Whitney PT6 turboprop engines typically found in Cessna Caravan turboprops. Combining the hybrid electric propulsion with SAF fuel more than doubles the efficiency and drives emissions to near zero.