Tech Connect partnership seeks to reduce costs and supply chain hazards for eVTOLs

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, OHIO (AFRL) — A new motor design may streamline supply chains and eliminate the need for expensive rare earth magnets for Electric Vertical Take Off and Landing, or eVTOL, aircraft and drones without sacrificing power and weight specifications. The company behind the new concept is partnering with the Air Force Research Laboratory, or AFRL, through the Air and Space Forces Tech Connect program to aid development and integration into the DOD technology regime.

“Our design aims to simplify supply chain logistics while enhancing ease of assembly by eliminating rare earth magnets, or any permanent magnet for that matter, potentially reducing lifecycle cost,” said Douglas Richard, principal investigator at DDU Magnetics, the company developing the new motor design.

The reliance on rare earth materials makes supply chains vulnerable to disruptions that negatively affects manufacturers. At the same time, environmental concerns exist for eVTOL end users when it comes to end-of-life cycle disposal.

DDU Magnetics uses a proprietary motor design to help eliminate the uncertainty in the supply chain and mitigate environmental impacts associated with using rare earth magnets, while maintaining the power and weight performance of contemporary motors. The technology is also meant to be scalable, allowing it to be used in larger platforms.

The company is partnering with AFRL through the Air and Space Forces Tech Connect program, which helps entities from industry, small business and academia gain access to Air and Space Force subject matter experts, or SMEs, to help provide opportunities to develop new technologies relevant to the Department of Defense.

“[W]e were able to find a SME in electronic engineering who was familiar with eVTOL, and through this source, we were able to connect the submitter with the proper assistance in pursuing an AFWERX [Small Business Innovation Research, or SBIR] Phase I submission,” said Steven Balmer, program manager at the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Strategic Partnering office. “This technology has the potential to affect the development of [eVTOL] drones and aircraft in the future by providing the same performance without the need for rare earth magnets and materials.”

Collaboration with Tech Connect is key to accessing AFRL experts who help lead technology development from industry and academia. By submitting technology ideas, organizations can gain access to knowledgeable SMEs within AFRL who will review ideas and provide valuable feedback.  Likewise, they can assist in the further development of the technology.

“This is a perfect venue for inventors seeking to validate their work with people dedicated to serving and protecting our country, using the latest and greatest technology available,” said Balmer.

According to Richard, the next step for the electric motor design is to develop a proof-of-concept for real-world testing and evaluation to determine the effectiveness of high-powered electric motors without the use of rare-earth metals and magnets.

“The sky is the limit, literally and figuratively speaking,” said Richard. “We hope to add a new category in brushless motor technology useful for propulsion and locomotion at any scale as well as distortion-free power generation for all platforms.”

About AFRL
The Air Force Research Laboratory, or AFRL, is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace force. With a workforce of more than 12,500 across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. For more information, visit www.afresearchlab.com.

About Air Force and Space Force Tech Connect
The Air Force and Space Force Tech Connect website provides access to current, open opportunities, meet-up events, other Department of the Air Force science and technology enterprise connectors and a way for anyone to share an idea. The Tech Connect team, comprised of AFRL personnel, connects quality, relevant ideas/technologies with Department of the Air Force subject matter experts. The team will review ideas/inquiries, provide feedback on innovative ideas and establish a dialogue with potentially interested Air Force and Space Force programs. For more information, visit: https://airforcetechconnect.org/.