The Future of Kit Aircraft: Introducing the Dakota e-Hawk by CKD Aero & Kite Magnetics
Photograph of the Fisher Dakota Hawk kit
aircraft will be manufactured by CKD Aero with
Kite Magnetics Electric Engine.
Image credit: Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 3.0 DEED.
A render of Kite Magnetics air-cooled direct
drive KM-120 electric engine and proposed
battery solution that will be offered as a
propulsion package by CKD on the Dakota Hawk
kit aircraft.
Photograph of the Fisher Dakota Hawk kit
aircraft will be manufactured by CKD Aero with
Kite Magnetics Electric Engine.
Image credit: Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 3.0 DEED.
A render of Kite Magnetics air-cooled direct
drive KM-120 electric engine and proposed
battery solution that will be offered as a
propulsion package by CKD on the Dakota Hawk
kit aircraft.
Kit aircraft manufacturer CKD Aero, a global leader in kit aircraft manufacturing, and Kite Magnetics, pioneers in electric propulsion technology, unveil the Dakota e-Hawk – the world’s most cost-effective
two-seat electric aircraft. This groundbreaking initiative promises to revolutionize the kit aircraft sector by making flying as affordable as enjoying a cup of coffee. This is all thanks to the combination of
CKD’s renowned aircraft designs with Kite Magnetics’ revolutionary KM-60 electric engine.
The Dakota e-Hawk will be the first in a series of kit aircraft manufactured by CKD to be offered with the very latest all-electric powertrain technology. The Canadian side-by-side two-seat aircraft will be fitted with Kite Magnetics’ KM-60 electric engine. Powered by Kite Magnetics’ proprietary Aeroperm™ technology, the KM-60 offers unmatched power, efficiency, and reliability. When paired with a high-capacity battery, ensures over an hour of quiet, emission-free flight. Even more impressive is the simplicity of assembly and maintenance, which drastically cuts down on build time and operational costs. “With Kite Magnetics’ propulsion system’s incredible efficiency and CKD Aero’s commitment to excellence, this partnership is poised to redefine what it means to fly, making the skies more accessible, more sustainable, and more exhilarating for everyone.,” says CKD Aero’s CEO, Arun Modgil.
CKD Aero is a global leader in wooden and composite kit aircraft manufacturing with more than eleven thousand customers worldwide and currently offers nearly two dozen aircraft models for sale. Kite
Magnetics is an Australian aerospace manufacturer specialising in the development of advanced electric engines specifically designed for use in electric aircraft.
Electric engines are not only quieter, safer and a quarter the weight compared to conventional piston engines, but they also significantly reduce operational costs, making each flight astonishingly affordable at approximately $4 per charge. This is a full 75% lower than traditional fuel costs. With no need for oil, coolant, radiators, or fuel, the electric propulsion system represents a seismic shift in how we think about flying. “Imagine flying without the hassle of engine checks or the smell of leaded avgas. With CKD Aero and Kite Magnetics’ electric aircraft, you get a silent, smooth ride that’s gentler on your wallet and the planet,” says Kite Magnetics CEO, Dr Richard Parsons.
This collaboration is set to debut at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh later in the year, where attendees can witness the future of flight firsthand. CKD Aero and Kite Magnetics are not just presenting a new product; they are inviting the aviation community to reimagine what’s possible in the skies. The message is clear: the future of general aviation is electric, and it’s here now.
About CKD Aero
Ckd.Aero, part of the Ckd Group of companies incorporated in 2002, includes Fisher Flying Products and Ckd Aerospace (formally Aviation Composites). We are always striving to create immense value
for our customers. Our parent company, Ckdpack Packaging, is uniquely positioned to do just that. With designing and manufacturing facilities in 8 countries, we can handle everything from aluminum, wood, composite, steel, plastic, and textiles. Utilizing our strengths, we have established a strong global foothold in the homebuilt kit and parts aviation market.
About the Dokta Hawk
The Fisher Dakota Hawk, a kit aircraft originating from Canada, offers aviation enthusiasts a unique opportunity to engage directly with aircraft construction. First taken to the skies in 1993, this high-wing monoplane is designed for side-by-side seating for two, featuring conventional landing gear and powered by a single engine. Notably, the Dakota Hawk was crafted with amateur builders in mind, presenting a project that could be completed in approximately 600 hours. Its construction employs wood and doped aircraft fabric, showcasing traditional materials and techniques in modern aviation design. The aircraft accommodates a range of four-stroke engines, catering to various preferences and performance needs. With its capability to fold wings for easy storage and transportation, alongside options for hydraulic brakes and wheel pants, the Dakota Hawk represents a blend of classic design and contemporary DIY spirit in the world of aviation. The Dakota e-Hawk will be the first electric variant of this aircraft.
About Kite Magnetics
www.kitemagnetics.com
Kite Magnetics is a venture-backed aerospace manufacturing company based in Melbourne, Australia that is enabling electric aircraft to fly up to 15% further by producing the next generation of smaller, lighter and more efficient electric motors. Their motors use a new nanocrystalline magnetic materials technology called Aeroperm™ that was co-developed at Monash University by founder and CEO Dr Richard Parsons. They are developing 60 kW (80 hp) and 120 kW (160 hp) electric engines for 2 and 4-seat electric aircraft for both certified and uncertified aircraft. Kite’s long-term vision is to become a global aerospace OEM powering your 2030 zero-emissions flight into the sky.
About Aeroperm™
Kite Magnetics’ revolutionary Aeroperm™ nanocrystalline magnetic material enables a new generation of smaller, lighter and more efficient electric motors and generators. Developed by Dr Richard Parsons and Professor Kiyonori Suzuki at Monash University, this magnetically soft material is
composed of nan-scale crystals within an amorphous metal matrix which enables an energy loss 10x smaller than that of existing magnetic materials used in today’s electrical devices.
About the KM-60 and KM-120
The KM-60 is a 60 kW (80 hp) electric engine for two-seat aircraft while the KM-120 is a 120 kW (160 hp) electric engine for 2 and 4-seat electric. Both motors are designed for certified and uncertified aircraft. The KM-60 and KM-120 are 800 V direct drive air-cooled single-fault-tolerant electric engines and matched inverters in a single system. They leverage Kite Magnetics proprietary Aeroperm™ technology for industry-leading performance and reliability.
Media Enquiries
Contact: Richard Parsons
Position: CEO, Kite Magnetics
email: richard@kitemagnetics.com
Phone: +61 3 7045 0527