MIT engineers are developing a compact, powerful 1-megawatt electric motor aimed at electrifying commercial aircraft and reducing aviation’s carbon footprint. Following successful design and testing of individual components, the team plans full-scale testing this fall. Current electric motors in aviation are typically in the hundreds of kilowatts, suitable only for small planes, while larger commercial airliners require megawatt-scale motors partnered with hybrid or turbo-electric propulsion systems. The new motor is designed to work with energy sources like batteries or fuel cells for all-electric applications and can also operate alongside traditional jet engines for hybrid systems. Key technologies include a high-speed permanent magnet rotor, low-loss stator, advanced heat exchanger, and integrated power electronics, all optimized for efficiency and performance. The project, led by Zoltan Spakovszky and supported by partners including Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, aims to meet the ambitious target of net-zero carbon emissions in aviation by 2050. The researchers have conducted extensive tests to assure the motor’s components can handle operational demands. The goal is to eventually scale the motor for use in larger aircraft, potentially transforming aviation’s environmental impact.
