Siemens researchers have developed a new type of electric motor having a weight of 50 kg and delivering a continuous output of about 260 kW (five times higher compared to analogues). The motor has been designed specially for aviation. Thanks to its record-setting power-to-weight ratio, the motor is suitable for aircraft with takeoff weight of up to 2 tons, the company’s press-service reports.

In order to develop the world-record motor, Siemens’ experts studied all the components of previous motors and optimized them up to their technical limits. New simulation techniques and state-of-the-art lightweight construction allowed achieving a unique power-to-weight ratio of 5 kW per kg. Similar electric motors used in industrial production deliver less than 1 kW per kg. The drive systems used in electric vehicles also do not demonstrate good performance. The new motor delivers its record-setting performance at rotational speeds of just 2,500 revolutions per minute and it can drive propellers directly without any transmission, Siemens explained.

“This solution will make mass production of hybrid-electric aircraft having a passenger capacity of four or more persons possible,” said Frank Anton, Head of eAircraft at Siemens Corporate Technology. “We’re confident that soon regional aircraft seating from 50 to 100 passengers will be fitted with these motors”.

The flight testing of the motor will be started in 2015, at the next stage, the Siemens researchers will boost output further. In 2013, Siemens, Airbus and Diamond Aircraft successfully carried out flight-test of a hybrid-electric drive installed on a twin-engine DA36 E-Star aircraft. The power output was 60 kW.