MAY - 2023AEROSPACEDEFENSEREVIEW.COM19Duxion Motors Propelling Sustainable Aviation through ElectrificationThe vision of emission-free, quieter, and highly efficient jets taking to the skies may soon become a reality with Duxion Motors' high-power density eJet MotorTM. The prototype system has undergone successful ground testing, and development marches closer to production."Unlike other attempts to create entirely new electric propulsion solutions, our vision is focused on compatibility and adaptability," says Rick Pilgrim, chairman and CEO of Duxion.One of the main things that Duxion's technology seeks to provide is an emission-free propulsor that matches the thrust of traditional thermal jet engines within the very same nacelles of existing aircraft, and with less noise as well. This achievement would obviously open doors for electrification of existing airframes, without wholesale redesign and fleet renewal. This state-of-the-art innovation using permanent magnet technology achieves a very high power-to-weight ratio within an impressively compact package. Its patented rim-driven design departs from the conventional central shaft-based approach, enhancing mass airflow, minimizing the hub footprint, and unlocking new levels of efficiency. Duxion's retrofittable technology represents more than an engineering advancement; it's a leap toward a new era of efficiency, sustainability, and performance.Duxion's focus on providing an electric propulsor for narrow-body jet engines is driven by the fact that the narrow-body segment represents the majority of the commercial fleet at around 60 percent, with a commensurate measure of passengers and passenger miles. It is also worth noting that the eJet Motor is easily and imminently scalable. In fact, the scaled prototype makes for a very attractive solution in the burgeoning Urban Air Mobility/EVTOL space. To wit, in addition to providing a lifting/thrust vectoring option since the motor could be enabled to swivel if desired, it is particularly suitable for those EVTOL providers wanting to attain high forward flight speeds upon transitioning to forward flight after takeoff.Of course, a major hurdle in the pursuit of electrified aviation is the development of suitable power systems capable of supplying the necessary electricity to reach the needed elevations, payloads, and ranges. Hydrogen fuel cells are a likely solution for the narrow body segment, and the pace of development in that space is fast and quickening. While hydrogen combusting jets are possible, a downside is the NOx produced by the high-temperature combustion, an issue that goes away when the hydrogen is converted into electricity via fuel cell.Jets are not measured only by thrust and operational performance but heavily by reliability and safety. Duxion understands this, and its eJet Motor has a tiny fraction of the moving parts of a traditional jet, which is an inherent reliability advantage. It also means a dramatic reduction in the maintenance portion of OPEX, a major expense for operators. Furthermore, fault-tolerant electrical designs suggest that certain failures result in a motor that can continue to fly at a reduced but sufficient power for safety considerations; this is an intrinsic advantage of electrification, which Duxion will continue to leverage. "We have already completed ground testing of a quarter-scale model of eJet Motor and are working on the designs of full-sized systems. Next, we look ahead to flight testing and the work of certification for a commercial product," says Richard Roper, director and COO at Duxion. Though still in the development stages, the results have been promising. Prototypes have been tested, with said tests confirming Duxion's computer models, and the cutting-edge technology has already garnered interest from major airlines and OEMs, demonstrating its potential impact on the industry.With these strategic moves toward green aviation and an eye on scalability, Duxion aims to be a significant player in the new green aerospace industry. TOP 10SOLUTIONS PROVIDERS IN CANADA - 2023Duxion's retrofittable technology represents more than an engineering advancement; it's a leap toward a new era of efficiency, sustainability, and performance
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