Collins Aerospace has produced the first working prototype of its 500kW electric motor suitable for the Airlander 10 aircraft under a partnership with
Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV) and the
University of Nottingham. Collins has now begun basic characterisation testing of the motor at the University of Nottingham.
For the 2,000rev/min permanent magnet electric motor, Collins is targeting specific power density levels of 9kW per kg and 98% efficiency through the use of a novel motor topology and composite construction. Collins is designing the motor at its Electronic Controls and Motor Systems Centre of Excellence in Solihull, where it is also developing its 1MW electric motor and motor controller for the Pratt and Whitney Canada (P&WC) regional hybrid-electric flight demonstrator.
The two motors are part of Collins’ technology roadmap for the development of a family of electric motors that can be scaled up or down to meet the needs of various hybrid-electric and all-electric applications across multiple aircraft segments.
Airlander 10 is scheduled to begin hybrid-electric operation in 2026, followed by all-electric, zero-emission operation in 2030. To achieve this, the aircraft’s four fuel-burning engines will be replaced by Collins’ 500kW electric motors — beginning with the two forward engines in 2026 and the two rear engines in 2030.
Marc Holme, senior director (Electronic Controls and Motor Systems) for Collins Aerospace, said: “With a goal of becoming the world’s first zero-emission aircraft, Airlander 10 is blazing a trail in the development of sustainable electric propulsion systems.
“Collins is working closely with HAV and the University of Nottingham to turn this goal into a reality, while at the same time developing new technologies that will advance the aviation industry’s efforts to reach ‘net zero’ carbon emissions by 2050.”
Tom Grundy, CEO of HAV, added: “The development of electric motors for Airlander 10, is a crucial part of our pathway towards a future of passenger and freight transport that produces zero emissions. It is great to see the programme develop with the different organisations working in unison to deliver the right electric motor for the job.”
E-HAV1 is co-funded by the ATI Programme, a joint UK Government and industry investment to maintain and grow the UK's competitive position in civil aerospace design and manufacture. It is delivered through a partnership between the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI), Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS), and Innovate UK, to address technology, capability, and supply chain challenges.
Mark Scully, head of technology for advanced systems and propulsion at the ATI, said: “This important project milestone demonstrates innovative technology from the UK that will deliver critical capability for the electrification of aviation. It aligns with the zero-carbon focus in the ATI’s Destination Zero strategy, and positions Collins in the UK for the scaling of high-performance electric motors for future commercial aircraft platforms.”