LYNN, Mass., - U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, Army Research Laboratory (DEVCOM ARL) has awarded GE a $5.1 million research and development contract for the Applied Research Collaborative Systematic Turboshaft Electrification Project (ARC-STEP), bolstering GE’s efforts to develop hybrid electric engine technologies for the future of flight, AviationPros reports. Continue reading original article.
The Military & Aerospace Electronics take:
6 April 2022 - ARC-STEP will use a GE CT7 turboshaft engine, combined with a GE-produced electric machine and power electronics. Subject matter experts from GE and the Army across turbine engines, electrical systems, and thermal management disciplines will investigate and integrate technologies that enable lightweight, efficient, reliable, and safe hybrid-electric propulsion systems. Tests will take place at the GE's Research campus in Niskayuna, New York.
“We are excited to collaborate with GE to truly advance hybrid-electric technologies for Future Vertical Lift,” says Mike Kweon, program manager for DEVCOM ARL’s Versatile Tactical Power and Propulsion Essential Research Program — known as the VICTOR ERP. “We want to further explore what is possible in these hybrid systems as well as what must be done to develop electrified systems for Future Vertical Lift that can meet the Army’s needs for increased payload, endurance, range and sufficient onboard power.”
This contract award comes shortly after NASA selected GE for the Electric Powertrain Flight Demonstration (EPFD) project to mature a MW-class integrated hybrid electric powertrain and demonstrate flight readiness for single-aisle aircraft. The EPFD and ARC-STEP awards are helping GE to continue building extensive experience with hybrid electric systems and electrical power generation.
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Jamie Whitney, Associate Editor
Intelligent Aerospace
