Equipmake, the Norfolk-based engineering specialist pioneering the development and production of electrification products across the automotive, aerospace, bus, and coach industries, has secured a contract for the next phase of motor development with leading Swiss electric aerospace propulsion company H55. Following on from an agreement which has seen Equipmake supply cutting-edge electric motors for prototype electric aircraft, the two companies are working together on a 100kW fully-certified electric propulsion system (EPS) for H55’s customer project with BRM AERO, for use on a two-seater electric trainer, the Bristell B23 Energic.
With Equipmake supplying lightweight, power dense, high-performance state-of-the art electric motors based on H55 specifications, and H55 the certified motor controller, the two companies have now signed a new agreement for the next phase of motor development. Certification of the motor is planned to be completed by end of 2024, ready for production to start in 2025.
Equipmake CEO Ian Foley said: “I am delighted to see that our collaboration efforts with H55 – one of the world’s leading electric aerospace propulsion companies – is coming to fruition with this contract. This is another validation of our strategy of leveraging our core IP in new markets via collaboration with leading strategic partners.
“The BRM Aero Project is a fantastic programme, and an important development for clean aviation, one of which we are proud to be involved in as it combines both pioneering engineering and industry leading design to accomplish this highly advanced electric two-seater aircraft. It is a testament to the quality and innovation of our core IP to be a part of this project and we look forward to a constructive and mutually beneficial partnership with H55 in the future.”
Equipmake has been chosen for its expertise in advanced electrification technology and rapid manufacturing with bespoke high-performance motors created for H55 using its proprietary rotor design, using Halbach array technology to deliver significant advantages.
Led by former F1 engineer Ian Foley, Equipmake has forged its reputation on advanced EV technology, delivering a suite of electrification solutions from electric motors to complete EV powertrains for a wide range of customers, serving the automotive, marine, mining, off-highway, and aerospace sectors.
H55 is a leading enabler of EPS and battery systems, with proven ability in developing, integrating, and flight-testing electric propulsion systems, including Solar Impulse, the first solar-powered electric aeroplane to fly around the world.