A Dual Halbach Array, High Power Density Electric Motor for Electric Air Platforms

LaunchPoint Technologies has developed an optimized brushless electric motor with higher power density than any commercially available motor. Once fully developed, this motor will make smaller and lighter electric propulsion available for use in advanced programs such as electric and hybrid Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), Small Organic Precision Munitions (SOPM) and electric-propelled GMLRS and TOW missiles. The private sector has also expressed interest in this technology for use in electric bikes, motorcycles, and cars; as well as for private aviation and personal air vehicles. The motor is a coreless axial flux design, and utilizes optimized Halbach magnet arrays combined with a patented winding fabrication process to achieve superior performance. The Phase I effort and related follow-on work resulted in a laboratory prototype with a power output of 5 HP/lb at 8400 RPM, twice the power density of the best known competitor. The proposed Phase II effort will create a 60 HP, 12,000 RPM motor with a power output of 8 HP/lb that is suitable for operation in military environments. This effort will take the technology from TRL4/ 5 to TRL 6, readying the technology for full-time product development and commercialization activities.