Piper Germany and the MDA1 Electric Commuter

Dean Sigler Announcements, Electric Powerplants, Sky Taxis, Sustainable Aviation Leave a Comment

Flieger magazine reports, “Piper Deutschland AG has announced a strategic investment in MD Aircraft GmbH . The goal of the collaboration is to advance the development and production of the all-electric regional aircraft MDA1 eViator.” (Note: based on later reporting, the power bays may be incorporated into the lower part of the fuselage.  The blog will attempt to gain verification of this.) Signed on September 19, 2025, the agreement “is intended to mark the start of a new chapter in aviation for Piper – with a focus on innovation and environmental sustainabilit,” according to Flieger. Providing MD the financial stability of Piper’s funding and for Piper the planned design for a twin-motored commuter liner in the size and performance range familiar to established Piper customers, the compact should be beneficial to both companies. The MDA1 Aircraft An “all-electric short-haul aircraft with a range of up to 400 kilometers (248 miles),” The MDA1 should suit the needs of most regional commuter lines internationally. We wrote …

MDA 1: a VW Camper for the Skies

Dean Sigler Batteries, Electric Powerplants, Sustainable Aviation Leave a Comment

Partners MD Aircraft GmbH, Kasaero GmbH, and Rolls Royce Electrical are crafting a 10-seat electrically-powered MDA 1 airliner.  Intended for the short-haul and regional market, the airplane will provide comfort, economy and safety. In an interview arranged by Karl Kaeser, CEO of Kasaero, your editor spoke with MD’s CEO, Gregor Müller.  Co-CEO Tim Markwald was on another project during this interview. They describe their current project as a Volkswagen Van of the skies.  Like the boxy little “bus” of the 1960s, MDA’s twin-motor aircraft will provide utilitarian, but comfortable transport for people and goods.  Like the VW, everyone will get a window seat. Unlike the old Kombi, the aircraft will climb quickly and efficiently, something difficult with the original vehicle’s 36-horsepower engine and more than two on board.  The MDA 1 is designed for short and sometimes unimproved fields, and is able to land and take off over a 50-foot obstacle in 500 meters (1,640 feet).  Part of this is …