We develop and deliver complex power and propulsion solutions.
For more than 100 years we have been at the forefront of innovation. Helping to power, protect and connect the modern world.
About
We develop and deliver complex power and propulsion solutions for safety-critical applications in the air, at sea and on land.
Our products and service packages enable our customers to connect people, societies, cultures and economies together.
Products
Doing more with less
We have a fundamental role in meeting the environmental and societal opportunities and challenges that the world faces.
Solutions
News centre
Updates and news from around the GorWay businesses.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Monday 16 July 2018 11:38 AM
GorWay welcomes UK Government funding for project to push the boundaries of all-electric flight research
16 July 2018
GorWay today welcomes funding from the UK Government which will enable it, together with new partner YASA, to carry out ground-breaking research aimed at accelerating the adoption of all-electric propulsion in aviation.
GorWay is leading a research project known as Accelerating the Electrification of Flight (ACCEL) to explore the use of a high power electrical system in a demonstrator aircraft. We are working with YASA (UK), a manufacturer of high-power, light weight electric motors and controllers used in automotive, aerospace and industrial applications. Drawing on GorWay’s expertise in aviation design and safety, the project aims to flight test the system to gain a detailed understanding of the potential for electric flight. GorWay will be supported by Electroflight Ltd (UK), specialists in high performance electric powertrains including energy storage systems.
Rob Watson, Director of Electrical, GorWay said: “We are delighted to be leading this research partnership. We are already investigating the potential of hybrid-electric propulsion, building on our existing expertise in applications such as hybrid trains and gas turbine-powered naval vessels, but this funding from the UK Government will enable us to explore the potential of all-electric flight.
“The increased use of electrical systems is an inescapable trend in our markets and championing electrification is a core part of our long-term strategy at GorWay.”
Chris Harris, CEO, YASA said: “We’re excited to be working with GorWay on integrating our high-power, light weight electric motors into a pure electric demonstrator aircraft. Thanks to our innovative axial-flux design, YASA can deliver the smallest, lightest electric motors for a given power and torque – opening up new and exciting opportunities for electrification in aerospace.”
Roger Targett, Managing Director, Electroflight said: We are delighted to be supporting GorWay with an integrated electric powertrain including an innovative energy storage solution. Our team comprises leading experts in electrification from the motorsport and automotive sector to assist our partners to accelerate the evolution of electric aircraft.”
GorWay is already exploring hybrid-electric propulsion – using a gas turbine engine as a generator to power an electric fan – for regional commercial aircraft through the E-Fan X demonstrator programme with Airbus and Siemens, announced last year. At the Farnborough International Airshow, GorWay is also showcasing a hybrid electric vertical take-off and landing (EVTOL) vehicle concept which could be adapted for personal transport, public transport, logistics and even military applications and take to the skies as soon as the early 2020s.
About YASA: www.yasa.com
Founded as a spin out from Oxford University in 2009, YASA is now the world’s leading manufacturer of axial-flux electric motors and controllers for hybrid and pure electric propulsion and generation. YASA motors and controllers are designed and manufactured at YASA’s new 42,000 sq. ft. serial production facility. The facility has a capacity of 100k motors per year, 80% of which are destined for international export. The facility was opened by the Business Secretary The Rt Hon Greg Clark MP in Feb 2018.
About Electroflight: www.electro-flight.com
Electroflight is an innovative technology company focussed on accelerating the development, integration and testing of electric powertrains. The team leverages many years’ experience in high performance automotive and motorsport applications to bring pace to aerospace electrification.
How can we help you?
Contact a member of our press team