← Back to NASA Technology Projects
Completed TRL 3 (started at 1, targeting 3)
The HPDM-30 is a ultra high power density 30kW integrated motor drive for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and Small Aircraft Electric Propulsion. It combines the motor and inverter into a single unit and utilizes the same advanced core technology developed for H3X's flagship product, the HPDM-250. H3X is targeting a combined motor/inverter efficiency of 93% and a continuous specific power of 10 kW/kg, making it 3X more power dense than anything else commercially available. The goal of this Phase I proposal is to complete the design, analysis and simulation for the HPDM-30 and a manufacturing plan to build prototypes that could later be tested on the H3X dynamometer in a Phase II effort.
NASA benefits: 25% SUSAN Flight Research Vehicle Non-NASA benefits: Commercial drones, Military UAVs and ROVs, special purpose ground vehicles, Gensets, Downhole industrial
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.