HVDCGEN · Project

Lightweight High-Speed Generator-Motor for Next-Generation Aircraft Power Systems

transportTestedTRL 5

Imagine an electric generator small enough to fit inside an aircraft engine nacelle, yet powerful enough to run all the plane's systems — and it can also work in reverse as a motor. That's what this UK engineering firm built: a high-voltage DC generator/motor spinning at extreme speeds, designed specifically for a new type of tilt-rotor aircraft (think a cross between a helicopter and a plane). They achieved a power density of 4 kW per kilogram, which means serious power from a very compact package, and they built a full working prototype ready for bench testing.

By the numbers

4 kW/kg

Power density achieved by the generator/motor technology

EUR 988,181

EU contribution to develop the prototype

TRL 4

Starting technology readiness level

Fully representative prototype built for bench testing

The business problem

What needed solving

Aircraft power systems are heavy, bulky, and typically use separate components for generation and motor functions. As aviation moves toward more-electric and hybrid-electric architectures — especially for new platforms like tilt-rotor aircraft — manufacturers need compact, lightweight electrical machines that can handle high voltages and extreme speeds without compromising safety. Every extra kilogram in an aircraft costs fuel and reduces payload.

The solution

What was built

A fully representative prototype of a high-speed, high-voltage DC generator with integrated motor function, achieving 4 kW/kg power density. The prototype was built for bench testing and designed for installation on the Next Generation Civil Tilt Rotor aircraft under the Clean Sky 2 program.

Audience

Who needs this

Aircraft OEMs developing more-electric or hybrid-electric aircraft architectureseVTOL and urban air mobility startups needing high power-density electrical machinesTier-1 aerospace suppliers integrating power generation into new aircraft platformsDefense contractors building lightweight power systems for UAVs and military aircraftMarine and industrial companies needing compact high-speed generator-motor units

Business applications

Who can put this to work

Aerospace & Aviation

enterprise

Target: Aircraft OEMs and tier-1 suppliers developing electric or hybrid-electric propulsion

If you are an aircraft manufacturer struggling with the weight and size of onboard power generation — this project developed a high-speed HVDC generator/motor achieving 4 kW/kg power density that meets aviation safety objectives. The technology was designed for tilt-rotor aircraft but the compact, dual-function design (generator and motor in one unit) could reduce component count and weight in any next-generation aircraft electrical architecture.

Advanced Air Mobility (eVTOL)

any

Target: Urban air mobility startups and eVTOL developers

If you are developing electric vertical takeoff aircraft and need compact, high-power electrical machines — this project produced a bench-tested prototype of a high-voltage DC generator/motor built for tilt-rotor operations. The 4 kW/kg power density and integrated motor function could help solve the weight-versus-power challenge that limits eVTOL range and payload capacity.

Defense & Military Aviation

enterprise

Target: Defense contractors building unmanned or hybrid aircraft platforms

If you are a defense integrator needing reliable high-speed generators for UAVs or hybrid military aircraft — this project delivered a fully representative prototype tested against demanding safety and reliability requirements under the Clean Sky 2 program. The dual generator/motor capability in a single lightweight unit could simplify power architecture in platforms where every kilogram matters.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What would it cost to license or acquire this technology?

The technology was developed by Denis Ferranti Meters Limited, a UK-based SME, with EUR 988,181 in EU funding under Clean Sky 2. Licensing terms would need to be negotiated directly with Denis Ferranti, who holds the intellectual property described as 'unique' in the project objectives. As a single-company project, there are no consortium IP-sharing complications.

Can this scale to full aircraft production volumes?

The project reached a fully representative prototype for bench testing. Moving to flight-qualified production units would require additional certification and manufacturing scale-up. The technology was designed specifically for the Next Generation Civil Tilt Rotor program, so integration pathways into that aircraft platform were already considered.

Who owns the IP and how is it protected?

Denis Ferranti Meters Limited owns the intellectual property, which the project description calls 'unique intellectual property in relation to the topic.' As the sole consortium partner, there are no shared-IP complications. The company has existing design and manufacturing capabilities that underpin the IP.

What performance levels were actually demonstrated?

The project reported a power density of 4 kW/kg at TRL 4, which the objectives state exceeds the topic performance requirements. A first fully representative prototype was built for bench testing. The system met demanding safety objectives set by the Clean Sky 2 program.

How long before this could be deployed in an actual aircraft?

The project ran from 2017 to 2022 and produced a bench-test prototype. Flight qualification — the next major milestone — typically requires several additional years of testing and certification. Based on available project data, the technology is past the laboratory stage but not yet flight-ready.

Does this meet aviation safety and certification standards?

The project objectives explicitly mention flight qualification as a goal and state that demanding safety objectives were achieved. The work was conducted under Clean Sky 2, which aligns development with EASA certification pathways. Final airworthiness certification would still require additional steps beyond bench testing.

Could this technology be adapted for non-aviation uses?

Based on available project data, the generator/motor was designed specifically for aircraft installation on the Next Generation Civil Tilt Rotor. However, the core capability — a compact, high-speed HVDC machine at 4 kW/kg — could interest sectors like marine propulsion or industrial power generation where weight and size are constrained.

Consortium

Who built it

This is a solo-company project: Denis Ferranti Meters Limited, a UK-based SME, executed the entire EUR 988,181 effort alone with no university or research institute partners. That's unusual and telling — it means all the know-how, manufacturing capability, and IP sit in one place, which simplifies any licensing or partnership discussion. The 100% industry ratio and SME status suggest a company that is technically capable but may need a larger partner to scale production or navigate aviation certification. For a potential buyer or licensee, dealing with a single SME owner of the technology is far simpler than negotiating with a multi-partner academic consortium.

DENIS FERRANTI METERS LIMITEDCoordinator · UK

How to reach the team

Denis Ferranti Meters Limited (UK) — contact via company website or the CORDIS project page

Order a report on this consortium See DENIS FERRANTI METERS LIMITED profile →

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

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