Maxwell Aircraft has unveiled the M1 Hybrid Cargo, a proposed amphibious aircraft designed to carry freight between waterways and remote or unimproved airstrips. The Florida-based developer is targeting a useful payload of 2,000lb, a cruise speed of 135kt and a total range of 900 miles. Initial flight testing is targeted for 2027; the aircraft remains under development, with no certification or delivery schedule announced.
The M1-HC combines electric motors with compression-ignition engines burning Jet-A fuel. Maxwell plans to use electric power to supplement propulsion during take-off and climb, with the engines providing cruise power. The company’s targets are up to 1,500hp for take-off and climb and about 300hp in cruise.
Derived from the twin-engine Gweduck amphibian, the cargo variant is being developed alongside Maxwell’s all-electric M1-E. Its proposed equipment includes a five-foot-wide cargo door, internal tie-downs and reversible propellers. The airframe uses carbon fibre and Kevlar; Maxwell works with airframe supplier Carbon Seaplanes and reports that composite Gweduck airframes have been produced and are headed for final assembly. The Gweduck first flew in 2009.
Maxwell is targeting island supply, remote-community, disaster-response and government missions. Its published performance figures are company targets, not demonstrated results. The M1-HC’s listed range is 900 miles; other reporting has cited a figure exceeding 1,000 nautical miles.