Public Funding for Sabe Technology Limited

The project will develop a process combining Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques with data generated from advanced computing to enhance the on-board real-time aerodynamic performance measurements of electric aircraft propellers. The application will be focused on the aerospace sector, particularly within the scope of electrification applied to Urban Air Mobility (UAM) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). The adoption of electrification for air travel is much more challenging than for ground transportation due to the amplified negative effect of the battery weight on the performance. Improvements in the operational efficiency of the crafts is a key requirement for the achievement of net-zero air transportation. The proposed technology is aligned with this theme, it will generate real-time pressure-based measurements such as thrust, drag and torque which will enable operational efficiency optimisation during flight. This investment will benefit the general public by supporting the UK's journey towards net-zero, it will encourage the development of cutting-edge technology applied for a growing sector, it will generate business growth and associated tax revenues, and it will result in the creation of new jobs within the business.

At Rogers EV we look to redesign the electric drivetrain an a complete integrated unit, leveraging benefits in novel blade and motor design. Our system, HaloDrive, brings together an evolutionary step change in aircraft propulsion delivering an ultra-efficient, easily maintainable, low noise solution that is completely scalable. Our design approach yields an initial solution within this project for lighter aircraft and UAV's with a focus on proving and validating scale designs eligible for the domestic aircraft market. HaloDrive is a is a rim driven ducted propellor system driven by a core-less circumferential flux motor (CFM) providing ultra-high torque direct drive. The complete system boasts a total efficiency gain in excess of 35% when compared to conventional electric systems, verified by hundreds of hours of CFD simulations against real propellor data and based around already performing motor technology.