Electric-propulsion specialist MagniX is to support Brazilian start-up Desaer with its plans to develop a hybrid-electric variant of the ATL-100 light regional aircraft. Established in 2017 by former Embraer employees, Dasaer has been developing a high-wing, unpressurized, utility transport powered by twin 1,000-shp turboprop engines. The model is targeted for military and commercial markets in the category of aircraft such as the LET L-410, Viking Twin Otter, and Dornier Do 228.

Under a partnership announced on February 8, MagniX is set to collaborate on an ATL-100H hybrid variant that would be powered by two of its magni350 electric-propulsion units and a pair of turboprop engines. The hybrid iteration would save between 25 and 40 percent on fuel, depending on the range and operation, magniX estimated, as well as have reduced carbon emissions and a quieter footprint.

“The implications of creating the hybrid electric ATL-100H are far-reaching and will have a positive impact on environmental sustainability and the aircraft's operational flexibility in the Brazil region," said Simon Roads, head of sales at magniX. "MagniX is leading the way in electrifying the skies, and our partnership with Desaer will transform regional travel for passengers and cargo alike."

The ATL-100 version is expected to reach the market first— within the next five years, once it has completed Part 23 type certification. The standard version of the aircraft would have 19 passengers and a range of around 1,000 miles. The company has not released projected performance data for the hybrid version.

Desaer originally resided at Incubaero, an incubator for start-ups and new aerospace projects at the Fundação Casimiro Montenegro Filho, one of the technology development institutes within the DCTA facility (a Brazilian national military research center for aerospace projects and activities). The company is preparing to break ground shortly on a manufacturing plant on a 277,000-sq-m (2.98 million-sq-ft) site at Araxá (AAX) airport with support from Brazil’s Minas Gerais State.

"The ATL-100H and future versions of the aircraft will enable customers and operators to achieve carbon emission reduction targets while maintaining the low operating costs offered by Desaer's ATL family of aircraft," said Desaer CEO Evandro Fileno. "The ATL-100H will enable operators to connect more remote communities via aviation, opening up greater economic opportunities across Brazil."

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