Evolito says it is collaborating with Airbus, backed by the UK’s Aerospace Technology Institute and Innovate UK, to develop an on-aircraft electric wheel taxi system that lets aircraft taxi with the main engines switched off. The company says the goal is to cut operating costs, noise and emissions, with Project SONATA targeting a 47% reduction in taxi emissions.

Evolito has been selected to develop a low-speed, high-torque electric motor based on its axial-flux technology for the program (System Optimisation of Non-propulsive energy in Aircraft Taxi technologies and Architectures). The company says the proposed motor is expected to deliver about 56 Nm/kg and 350 kW peak power, and meet integration requirements for future landing gear applications.

“By developing low speed, high torque motors for aircraft landing systems, we are extending the performance envelope of our technology and contributing to the reduction of aviation’s environmental impact whilst also reducing operating costs,” said Evolito CEO Chris Harris.

Project SONATA also includes the University of Southampton, Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult, Magnomatics, Drive System Design and DePe Gear. UK Industry Minister Chris McDonald called the work a contribution toward “Jet Zero,” and said the government is backing it through the Aerospace Technology Institute.

Source: Evolito