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Advanced 250 kW Starter/Generator Unit

LaunchPoint Releases Advanced 250 kW Starter/Generator Unit for Aerospace and Defense Applications

First Units Delivered to Customers

GOLETA, California – August 09, 2024 – LaunchPoint Electric Propulsion Solutions, Inc. (LaunchPoint), a leader in advanced power generation and management solutions, announced the release of its groundbreaking 250 kW starter/generator unit, designed to meet the rigorous demands of aerospace and defense applications with leading Size Weight and Power (SWaP) advantages.  The first customer units were delivered in June. 

The dual Halbach array electric machine and matching inverter/controller was developed as a full bi-directional system and primarily intended as a starter/generator for combat aircraft and Group 4-5 UAS. However, it can also be configured as a motor for compressors or pumps as well as for conventional alternator applications.

With this latest product, LaunchPoint continues to push the boundaries of technology, leveraging its portfolio of patented technologies to deliver unparalleled performance and reliability. The 250 kW starter/generator unit embodies LaunchPoint’s commitment to excellence in the field of electric propulsion and power generation.

Figure 1
LaunchPoint’s 250 kW Generator

Shown in Frameless Configuration

280 mm Diameter x 100 mm Length

Key Features and Benefits:

• High Power Density: The 250 kW starter/generator delivers exceptional real-world power density. Weighing just 19.6 kg, the 250 kW unit boasts a specific power of 12.75 kW/kg, operates at a maximum speed of up to 27,000 RPM, and can be combined in stacked configurations to increase maximum power output. This makes it an ideal solution for real-world aerospace and defense systems that demand efficient, compact, and reliable power solutions. 

• Robust Design: Engineered for harsh environments, this unit can withstand extreme temperatures, vibrations, and other challenging conditions typically encountered in aerospace and defense operations.

• Patented Technology: LaunchPoint’s proprietary and patented stator windings, thermal management architectures, and fail-safe control algorithms set new standards for performance and reliability in the industry. This is the first generator to incorporate LaunchPoint’s patent-pending poly-phase winding technology that increases reliability, enhances fault response, and allows for fail-operational capability. These design embodiments were specifically incorporated to meet the rigorous requirements for permanent magnet generators (PMGs) in critical aerospace applications. 

• Qualification Standards: The starter/generator unit meets stringent environmental standards and is currently undergoing rigorous qualification testing against military standards, including:

• MIL-STD-416 – Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)

• MIL-STD-464 – Electromagnetic Environmental Effects (E3)

• MIL-STD-704 – Aircraft Electrical Power Characteristics

• MIL-STD-810 – Environmental Engineering Considerations

“We are thrilled to introduce the 250 kW starter/generator as our flagship product to support the modernization of existing manned and unmanned combat aircraft platforms, as well as new initiatives to support next generation platforms” said Brian Clark, EVP of Business Development at LaunchPoint. “Our patented technologies and adherence to military standards ensure that our products not only meet but exceed the expectations of our aerospace and defense customers.”

About LaunchPoint EPS: LaunchPoint specializes in developing cutting-edge electric propulsion and power generation systems for aerospace, defense, and commercial applications. With a focus on power density and reliability, LaunchPoint continues to lead the industry with its advanced power generation and management solutions.  The company also has a hybrid power system line of products for drones 1.5 kW to 40 kW range and air mobility for passenger and cargo applications in the 40 kW to 250 kW range.

Press Releases
News
Videos

Advanced 250 kW Starter/Generator Unit

LaunchPoint Releases Advanced 250 kW Starter/Generator Unit for Aerospace and Defense Applications

First Units Delivered to Customers

GOLETA, California – August 09, 2024 – LaunchPoint Electric Propulsion Solutions, Inc. (LaunchPoint), a leader in advanced power generation and management solutions, announced the release of its groundbreaking 250 kW starter/generator unit, designed to meet the rigorous demands of aerospace and defense applications with leading Size Weight and Power (SWaP) advantages.  The first customer units were delivered in June. 

The dual Halbach array electric machine and matching inverter/controller was developed as a full bi-directional system and primarily intended as a starter/generator for combat aircraft and Group 4-5 UAS. However, it can also be configured as a motor for compressors or pumps as well as for conventional alternator applications.

With this latest product, LaunchPoint continues to push the boundaries of technology, leveraging its portfolio of patented technologies to deliver unparalleled performance and reliability. The 250 kW starter/generator unit embodies LaunchPoint’s commitment to excellence in the field of electric propulsion and power generation.

Figure 1
LaunchPoint’s 250 kW Generator

Shown in Frameless Configuration

280 mm Diameter x 100 mm Length

Key Features and Benefits:

• High Power Density: The 250 kW starter/generator delivers exceptional real-world power density. Weighing just 19.6 kg, the 250 kW unit boasts a specific power of 12.75 kW/kg, operates at a maximum speed of up to 27,000 RPM, and can be combined in stacked configurations to increase maximum power output. This makes it an ideal solution for real-world aerospace and defense systems that demand efficient, compact, and reliable power solutions. 

• Robust Design: Engineered for harsh environments, this unit can withstand extreme temperatures, vibrations, and other challenging conditions typically encountered in aerospace and defense operations.

• Patented Technology: LaunchPoint’s proprietary and patented stator windings, thermal management architectures, and fail-safe control algorithms set new standards for performance and reliability in the industry. This is the first generator to incorporate LaunchPoint’s patent-pending poly-phase winding technology that increases reliability, enhances fault response, and allows for fail-operational capability. These design embodiments were specifically incorporated to meet the rigorous requirements for permanent magnet generators (PMGs) in critical aerospace applications. 

• Qualification Standards: The starter/generator unit meets stringent environmental standards and is currently undergoing rigorous qualification testing against military standards, including:

• MIL-STD-416 – Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)

• MIL-STD-464 – Electromagnetic Environmental Effects (E3)

• MIL-STD-704 – Aircraft Electrical Power Characteristics

• MIL-STD-810 – Environmental Engineering Considerations

“We are thrilled to introduce the 250 kW starter/generator as our flagship product to support the modernization of existing manned and unmanned combat aircraft platforms, as well as new initiatives to support next generation platforms” said Brian Clark, EVP of Business Development at LaunchPoint. “Our patented technologies and adherence to military standards ensure that our products not only meet but exceed the expectations of our aerospace and defense customers.”

About LaunchPoint EPS: LaunchPoint specializes in developing cutting-edge electric propulsion and power generation systems for aerospace, defense, and commercial applications. With a focus on power density and reliability, LaunchPoint continues to lead the industry with its advanced power generation and management solutions.  The company also has a hybrid power system line of products for drones 1.5 kW to 40 kW range and air mobility for passenger and cargo applications in the 40 kW to 250 kW range.