- Vehicle Tech
- Hybrid & Electric Vehicles
EV motors are being used in some real Iron Man stuff
Comments (0) ()When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Astro Mechanica)
- Motors found in a Lotus Evija are being tested in aircraft engines
- A hybrid-electric architecture can mimic a turbofan
- Both military and civilian applications are being considered
We could soon see a return of three-hour flight times between London and New York, as Helix Motors, a UK engineering firm that supplies potent electric motors to Lotus and the fan-powered McMurtry Spéirling hypercar, has teamed up with supersonic air travel specialist Astro Mechanica.
The partnership is working on a new generation of supersonic engines that could be used by the military, long-range cargo delivery firms, orbital launches and, perhaps most excitingly, passenger jet applications.
To get very nerdy for a moment, Helix supplies four high-performance electric motors that can deliver in excess of 1,200bhp each. They also weigh just 31.3kg.
You may like-
This Blade Runner-inspired electric scooter can hit 65mph, travel for 60 miles and is getting a global launch soon
-
I'm convinced solid-state batteries will be a big turning point for EVs soon – here’s why
-
Shell pivots from petrol to battery tech, claiming breakthrough can charge EVs in under 10 minutes
These ultra-lightweight but massively powerful motors are used in a “dual-propulsion” system, which has been designed to meet fuel efficiency issues head-on. The fuel costs and CO2 emissions related to supersonic flight currently don’t add up.
Astro Mechanica says the electric motors are used to “separate the propulsion unit from the turboshaft core”. In turn, the turbogenerator uses a gas turbine to “generate electricity via two motors, which power the four Helix motors in the propulsors that control the fan and compressor”.
Get your head around that one. But at its most basic, the hybrid system can mimic a turbofan at subsonic speeds, a turbojet at lower supersonic speeds and transition to a ramjet at very high supersonic speeds.
The idea is that the hybrid engine system is efficient from takeoff to Mach 3+. A bit like how powerful motors are used in modern hypercars to fill gaps in the torque curve or to cruise around town on battery power alone to conserve fuel.
Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inboxContact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Out of this world vacations
According to Astro Mechanica, it is currently testing a fourth generation of its Duality engine prototype and targeting its first flight within three years.
That said, it is already working with Helix to deliver custom motors for its fifth generation engine that will weigh considerably less than current prototypes and is engineered to operate at extreme altitudes — think sub-orbital kinda stuff.
As a result, Astro Mechanica claims that within a decade, it plans to make on-demand, supersonic passenger travel as accessible and affordable as commercial air travel is today. Those are some big promises that we hope don't evaporate when they hit the harsh cold air of reality.
Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!
And of course you can also follow TechRadar on TikTok for news, reviews, unboxings in video form, and get regular updates from us on WhatsApp too.
Leon PoultneyEVs correspondentLeon has been navigating a world where automotive and tech collide for almost 20 years, reporting on everything from in-car entertainment to robotised manufacturing plants. Currently, EVs are the focus of his attentions, but give it a few years and it will be electric vertical take-off and landing craft. Outside of work hours, he can be found tinkering with distinctly analogue motorcycles, because electric motors are no replacement for an old Honda inline four.
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
Logout Read more
This Blade Runner-inspired electric scooter can hit 65mph, travel for 60 miles and is getting a global launch soon
I'm convinced solid-state batteries will be a big turning point for EVs soon – here’s why
Shell pivots from petrol to battery tech, claiming breakthrough can charge EVs in under 10 minutes
A Chinese robot vacuum company wants to take on Bugatti with an upcoming hyper-EV – but it’s off to a shaky start with these ridiculous renders
Your own private aircraft carrier? Chinese EV-maker Xpeng's annual 2025 showcase just gave us a tantalizing glimpse of the future
Forget e-bikes – this electric trike lets you pedal your way to 75mph on public highways
Latest in Hybrid & Electric Vehicles
Kia's EV 4 brings something a little different to the electric hatchback market
Pixel arrays, matrix headlights, OLED taillights: new lighting tech is bedazzling EVs
I’ve driven Volvo’s latest ES90 electric fastback – and it’s almost too clever for its own good
Toyota says it will launch the world’s first solid-state EVs in 2027, but is that realistic? Here’s what experts say
Mercedes-Benz reveals new Vision Iconic EV – and it’s the vintage Batmobile you always needed in your life
I’ve tried Porsche’s screen-packed Cayenne EV – and it’s going to be an all-electric force to be reckoned with
Latest in News
ChatGPT had some issues earlier, but it’s back — here’s what you need to know
The next Sims 4 DLC is an official SpongeBob collab
"The world is not slowing down" - AWS CEO says AI agents will be bigger than the Internet, so act now
How to watch What is the Monarchy for? on BBC iPlayer (it's *FREE*)
Yes, Elden Ring Nightreign - The Forsaken Hollows DLC will be harder than the base game, but it will still be fair to players
New data centers will need almost triple the current energy demand by 2035
LATEST ARTICLES- 1FiiO FT13 wired headphones review: closed-back over-ears that fill a tiny gap in a stacked product lineup
- 2New data centers will need almost triple the current energy demand by 2035
- 3The next Sims 4 DLC is an official SpongeBob collab
- 4StarTech 150 USB4DockTriple laptop docking station review
- 5"The world is not slowing down" - AWS CEO says AI agents will be bigger than the Internet, so act now
