Milton Keynes, UK-based Helix is partnering with Astro Mechanica to provide electric motors for the California, USA-based aircraft company’s adaptive engine concept, which is designed to enable affordable supersonic flight.
Helix makes electric motors and inverters for motorsport, aerospace, defense, and marine applications. The company operates from three sites in Milton Keynes and employs around 200.
Astro Mechanica is a startup launched in 2021 that is developing a supersonic aircraft with transpacific capability. The company is currently testing the fourth generation of its engine prototype and is targeting first flight within three years.
Four Helix SPX242-94 motors are being used to power a prototype of Astro Mechanica’s Duality propulsion system, which uses a hybrid architecture to improve the fuel efficiency of supersonic flight.
In the prototype, a turbogenerator uses a gas turbine to generate electricity via two motors, which power the four Helix SPX242-94 motors in the propulsors that control the fan and compressor. According to Helix, this layout allows the engine to operate like a turbofan at subsonic speeds and a turbojet at lower supersonic speeds, transitioning to a ramjet at very high supersonic speeds.
Each motor delivers 400kW (536hp) of peak power with maximum torque of 347lb-ft (470Nm) and weighs 69lb (31.3kg).
Helix is designing custom motors for the fifth generation of Astro Mechanica’s propulsion system. The new motors will output 900kW (1,207hp) of continuous power in generator or propulsion modes, with peak power of 950kW (1,274hp) at 20,000rpm and maximum torque of 424lb-ft (575Nm). Each unit will weigh 136lb (61.5kg).
Derek Jordanou-Bailey, aerospace chief engineer at Helix, said, “We are incredibly proud that our electric motors are powering Duality given its potential to reshape aviation and aerospace. Astro Mechanica’s engine shows that our unrivaled power density stands to completely transform the engineering and economics of whole industries.”
The motor isolation system is designed for extreme-altitude operation. Near-term applications for the engine include national defense, orbital launch, and long-range cargo delivery.
Helix’s electric propulsion systems are used in Formula E racing and hypercars including the McMurtry Spéirling, Lotus Evija, Czinger 21c, and Aston Martin Valkyrie.
Astro Mechanica aims to fly its first prototype aircraft in three years.
