Maglev Aero is taking a radically different approach to distributed electric propulsion for new aircraft, having recently gone public with its plans for what it calls its Hyperdrive system. The Boston-based start-up is using the proceeds from a seed funding round to prepare for iron bird ground testing as it works towards being able to support a flying prototype in around two or three years from now.

 The company says it is now in early talks with aircraft developers who may have an interest in deploying a propulsion system that would be the first aviation application of magnetic levitation. It also recently announced a partnership with GE Additive’s Addworks unit to develop additive manufacturing technologies and materials for the Hyperdrive.