Aerospace & Defense Technology - October 2022 - 20

DC to DC
Power Distribution in
MilAero Applications
P
20
ower system design is seeing impact from steady
growth in the number, type, and complexity of
electrical systems onboard aircraft. Advancements
in cockpit avionics and more electrically actuated
systems have designers paying attention to a broader spectrum
of upgraded power needs and their connection to
SWAP-C goals.
At the same time, innovators worldwide are investing in
technologies supporting smart energy storage, viable for new
transportation applications. Fuel cells and batteries are quickly
advancing urban air mobility for tangible commercial
advantage - and the U.S. Air Force's Agility Prime initiative
has come on board to amplify the impact.
Supporting the ideal of procuring commercial technology
with military value, the Agility Prime program leverages various
assets of the U.S. Air Force - such as safety certifications,
test ranges, and assigned missions enabling steady logging of
flight hours - with the goal of shaping, driving, and accelerating
the urban air mobility market. Its stated role is intended
to reduce risk and build confidence in the technology, create
and incentivise investment opportunities, and ultimately
accelerate the development of aircraft.
Aiming to field a new class of aircraft as soon as 2023, Agility
Prime targets three different areas for military value: a people
mover or air taxi type of craft, capable of transporting
three to five individuals; a smaller variant designed for one to
two people; and a cargo-only version. Resupply missions are
top of mind, but broad value is anticipated from electrically-powered
craft that can reduce or eliminate heavily manned
missions into dangerous environments.
DC Power and Mitigating SWAP-C
While most aircraft power distribution has historically been
AC (like a typical home), higher voltage DC distribution may
be more efficient. It's also more compatible with battery storage
and an increasing portion of aircraft power load requirements.
At the same time, the gas turbines present in traditional
aircraft typically fuel AC auxiliary power. Its requisite
AC-DC conversion can multiply power electronics and ultimately
increase cost, complexity, and weight. The DC power
advances demonstrated by urban air mobility are providing
design insight, storing DC power in batteries and eliminating
AC-DC power conversion at the point of load. For designers of
power systems onboard more traditional aircraft, it's an
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Aerospace & Defense Technology, October 2022

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Aerospace & Defense Technology - October 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Aerospace & Defense Technology - October 2022

Aerospace & Defense Technology - October 2022 - Intro
Aerospace & Defense Technology - October 2022 - Sponsor
Aerospace & Defense Technology - October 2022 - Cov1
Aerospace & Defense Technology - October 2022 - Cov2
Aerospace & Defense Technology - October 2022 - 1
Aerospace & Defense Technology - October 2022 - 2
Aerospace & Defense Technology - October 2022 - 3
Aerospace & Defense Technology - October 2022 - 4
Aerospace & Defense Technology - October 2022 - 5
Aerospace & Defense Technology - October 2022 - 6
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Aerospace & Defense Technology - October 2022 - 48
Aerospace & Defense Technology - October 2022 - Cov3
Aerospace & Defense Technology - October 2022 - Cov4
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