SBIR/STTR Award attributes
The proposed program seeks to find application opportunities for the revolutionary new counter rotating motor topology developed by CR Flight. This effort will examine opportunities for new unique configurations to enable eVTOL and ORB aircraft as well as potential retrofit opportunities of existing platforms resulting in rapid technology injection and enabling of USAF operations now. CR Flight motors incorporate a revolutionary Rotary Transformer design to pass power through the motor which allows the stator to rotate and operate as an armature. Significant motor and propulsor efficiencies result from cooler operating temperatures and reduced RPMs compared to traditional motors. This topology allows for a torque-less propulsor unit potentially enabling new eVTOL and ORB aircraft. Eliminating the torque can also add significant advantage to existing fixed wing aircraft. This effort will study and determine the key opportunities for the USAF at both group 2 and 3. The initial target market for this application will be lift rotors for Agility Prime aircraft configurations and unmanned VTOL and fixed wing systems from group 2 to group 4. In Phase I, ESAero & CR Flight will conduct a feasibility study supported by using OpenVSP and PANTHER (Propulsion Airframe iNtegration for Hybrid Electric Research) unique configuration analysis codes validated with actual motor test results by the proposer. The feasibility study will also explore options for use on group 2-4 fixed wing aircraft with efforts to meet and target customers within and outside of the Air Force. The proposed effort will enable the USAF with the specific vehicle configurations and specific airframes on which this revolutionary technology can be most effectively applied. This enables follow on work in a phase II to implement and demonstrate one or more technology integrations into either existing platforms or a full-scale technology demonstrator, such as the ESAero/NASA developed X-57 Maxwell. This can put high TRL technology in the hands of, or server the benefit of, the warfighter quickly.
