High-Efficiency Propulsion for EMATT Sprint Speed Capability

Aurora Flight Sciences and the Lockheed Martin Sippican propose to develop a new propulsion system to increase the top speed of an EMATT (Expendable Mobile ASW Training Target) vehicle to 14 knots. Aurora and Lockheed will leverage the vehicle concepts developed in Phase I to downselect critical propulsion components and generate a preliminary design to integrate the high-speed propulsion system into the existing EMATT and assess thermal management techniques.Aurora and Lockheed will develop a safe, high energy-density battery that provides sufficient power and capacity to meet the sprint speed power requirements. Aurora will size a high-efficiency motor matched to a novel, optimized propeller design which will ensure efficient operation across the range of EMATT operating speeds. Improvements in motor efficiency and power density will be achieved through novel thermal management techniques.Bench-level testing will be performed to validate the performance of the motor, propeller, and battery. Risk reduction activities, such as shaft-seal design and testing will be performed. A detailed design for the high-speed propulsion system will be completed by the end of the Phase II base period.During the Phase II Option, Aurora and Lockheed will fabricate and test an EMATT Sprint-Speed demonstration vehicle.