High-Speed Generator for Next Gen Aviation Propulsion

Aviation is moving to higher levels of electrification to offer more efficiency and vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capability.  For short missions batteries are sufficient but hybrid-electric propulsion is needed to achieve longer range.  “Hybrid-electric systems are poised to transform how the USAF powers the fight of the future through game-changing energy efficiency improvements,” reports sAUS News.  By directly connecting the high-speed generator to the turbine, Craft’s High-Speed Generator allows the United States Air Force (USAF) to capture these benefits. A key mission that would benefit from hybrid VTOL aircraft is Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR). The USAF CSAR mission has a long and storied past dating back 70+ years. The work is dangerous, and speed is of particular importance where every second is a matter of life and death for seriously wounded service members. The HH-60G Pavehawk is the air vehicle of choice for CSAR missions, but is outdated and does not provide the capabilities necessary for a fight in the Pacific.  Air Force Magazine reported that military leaders have been concerned for more than a decade that the HH-60G, does not have all the capabilities needed for the mission, lacking speed, range, cabin space, survivability, battlespace awareness, and all-weather operability. Craft Aerospace Technologies, Inc. (Craft) solves this problem by using our direct coupled turbine powered high-speed generator as a key enabler to our hybrid VTOL aircraft, known as the Slipstream.  The Slipstream is runway independent, transports 9 passengers or 2,500 pounds of payload (+ 2 pilots), cruises at 345 mph up to 1,000 miles, and can be operated autonomously or remotely.  The aircraft is powered by a 1MW turbine driving the generator, that efficiently converts JP-8 fuel into electric power (combined turbine+generator+inverter is called Genset and branded as HSG1000). The Genset powers the Slipstream’s distributed electric propulsion system which enables the performance and runway independent design.  This provides CSAR operators with unparalleled mission flexibility, enhanced clandestine infiltration/extraction capability, superior speed and range, and a modular troop transport on a low cost, low maintenance airframe. Furthermore, the hybrid system combined with condition-based maintenance (CBM) and digital twin tracking significantly reduces operating costs by over 2x of other aircraft in its size class (e.g. C-12, U-28). Craft seeks to utilize this Direct to Phase II opportunity to prototype our high-speed, direct connected generator and integrated power electronics, the critical new component of the HSG1000. The generator is unique from alternative designs by being capable of far higher speeds and allowing direct coupling to the high speed turbine shaft without the use of a gearbox or a low speed free turbine.   This offers a far smaller, lighter, and more efficient solution.