The motor delivers a continuous output of about 260kW and has been specially designed for use in aircraft. The power-to-weight ratio means that larger aircraft with takeoff weights of up to two tons will now be able to use electric drives for the first time.
New simulation techniques and sophisticated lightweight construction enabled the drive system to achieve a unique weight-to-performance ratio of 5kW/kg, reports the company. The electric motors of comparable strength that are used in industrial applications deliver less than 1kW/kg. The performance of the drive systems used in electric vehicles is about 2kW/kg. The new motor performs at rotational speeds of just 2,500RPM to drive propellers directly, without the use of a transmission.
"This innovation will make it possible to build series hybrid-electric aircraft with four or more seats," said Frank Anton, head of eAircraft at Siemens Corporate Technology, the company's central research unit. The motor is scheduled to begin flight-testing before the end of 2015.
The next step will be to boost output further. "We're convinced that the use of hybrid-electric drives in regional airliners with 50 to 100 passengers is a real medium-term possibility," said Anton.
