Tail propulsor generator for NASA SUSAN sub-scale flight demonstrator

Hinetics is proposing a detailed study to evaluate the integration of a lightweight, high efficiency 150 kW generator-drive subsystem within the SUSAN concept aircraft. Subsystem and system level integration strategies required to maintain the stability and reliability across all operating conditions of the propulsion system and maximize the system level performance will be identified and verified with computer simulations. This will set the stage for hardware development for a sub-scale SUSAN demonstration within a potential Phase-II program, helping to increase the TRL of critical technologies for future low carbon aircraft.

Subsonic Single Aft Engine (SUSAN) Electrofan would be the major targeted application for this motor design and system integration study. It will also be applicable to any of the drivetrain testing and qualification programs of NASA in a similar power scale with a few varying details such as cooling availability and drivetrain.

While this study is targeted at the generator coupled to aft engine, it is directly applicable to a distributed propulsor or the propulsor in any turbo-electric, hybrid-electric or fully electric concept. In addition, the drivetrain developers can potentially use this study to test the sub-systems and to validate the performance and reliability of electric aircraft drivetrains.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — 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.