Innovative Onboard Power and Cooling Solutions

Directed Energy Weapons as well as sophisticated countermeasure systems, require substantially more electrical power than the conventional aircraft power system can currently supply. The cooling required to dissipate the energy is currently not availableon these aircrafts. This solicitation is pursuing a continuous electrical output of 1.0 MW of 3 phase, 110 VAC at 400 Hz, in addition to 800 lbs/min of pressurized air at 50 psia, and a target weight goal of 1400 lbs.Based on the work performed to date the lightest and most reliable system would consist of a high-speed generator to create the electrical power, a compressor to meet the airflow requirements. A turbine will drive both components. Additionally, therewill be a requirement for a gearbox to mate the three components together.The work effort involved in designing, building and testing the system of interest, significantly exceeds the funding available in a standard SBIR. IPS is therefore proposing to concentrate on the development of a lightweight high-speed generator.Additionally, IPS will continue to work with the engine companies to further develop the system. IPS also encourages additional funding to be made available to an engine company to help make the system a reality.