The US Air Force Research Laboratory's Propulsion Directorate, Lockheed Martin and Smith Industries Aerospace have started work on a programme to develop and demonstrate a magnetic bearing turbo-generator for providing power for advanced military airborne radar systems.
The turbo-generator combines electrical power generation with simple-cycle magnetic bearing cooling turbine technology.
According to Smiths, which values the initial contract at around $2 million, the system will "simultaneously provide supplemental liquid cooling and electrical power to facilitate the application of advanced radar systems for future technology growth on military air vehicles".
UK-based Smiths says the programme combines the "core competencies" of three of its US businesses, including Barber Colman Aerospace, which produces magnetic bearing cooling turbines, Leland (generators) and Tech Development (high-speed rotating machinery).
Barber Colman Aerospace will manage the Smiths contribution from its site in Loves Park, Illinois while the programme as a whole will be managed by the US Air Force's Propulsion Directorate at Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio.
The second phase of the programme, should the initial phase prove successful, will involve full qualification and flight test on a military aircraft such as the Lockheed Martin F-16.
Source: Flight International
