The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, has entered into a partnership with a Hungarian firm – Magnus Aircraft Group – for the manufacture and assemblage of the modern multi-purpose aircraft in Nigeria.
Both parties started the discussion recently when the minister visited Magnus Aircraft Group in Hungary following an invitation to attend its product introduction event.
The company showcased its latest innovation, the Hungarian MF-212 multifunctional aircraft, designed for training and aerial surveillance purposes.
During the visit, the minister and his delegation explored potential collaborations for staging the manufacturing and assemblage of the modern multipurpose aircraft in Nigeria.
Of particular interest was the integration of these aircraft into the training programs for students at the Africa Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU) in Abuja.
Magnus Aircraft Company, in collaboration with Hungarian Authorities, organised a comprehensive program for the Minister’s visit. The delegation had the opportunity to tour various organizations in Hungary, including Mouldtech Engineering and Military Equipment Factory.
The highlight of the visit was a meeting with Magnus Aircraft’s CEO, Mr Boros Laszlo, who guided the delegation through the company’s state-of-the-art facilities. The tour covered the production line, assembly of composite parts, painting, aircraft parts assembly, engine installation, final quality checks, test flights and quality handover.
The MF-212 is a two-seater low-wing aircraft made entirely of carbon composite materials, featuring a fixed non-retractable landing gear. With high aerobatic and operational characteristics, the aircraft can withstand an overload of +11.8/-6.3g, making it suitable for various applications.
Magnus Group’s CEO highlighted the aircraft’s unique safety features, including the use of normal petrol (PMS) as fuel and a ballistic recovery system. The parachute pack, situated in front of the cabin, adds an extra layer of safety.
The versatile MF-212 can be adapted for private use, business flights, training purposes, aerial surveillance, military pilot training, border monitoring, disaster management, agricultural observation, anti-terrorism, anti-piracy missions, and UAV applications.
In a significant move towards technology transfer, Magnus Aircraft Company has established a partnership with the Ministry of Aviation, Nigeria. A manufacturing factory in NCAT, Zaria, was commissioned on May 26, 2023. The collaboration includes training programs for the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), engineers on aircraft manufacture/assembly and type rating training for end-users such as the Nigerian Army, Air Force, and The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Pilots and Engineers.
The impact of this collaboration is already evident, with Magnus Aircraft products deployed for agricultural purposes by the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) and utilised by NCAT for security and surveillance duties. Deliveries have also been made to Ghana, Morocco, Egypt, Kenya and South Africa, showcasing the aircraft’s global relevance.
The minister and his team experienced firsthand the capabilities of the MF-212 during test flights, marking a significant milestone in potential collaborations between Nigeria and Magnus Aircraft. The company’s establishment of an assembly plant in NCAT, Nigeria, further solidifies the commitment to technology transfer and growth in the aviation sector.