Equipmake agrees aerospace electric motor development contract with H55

• Equipmake and H55 working on a state-of-the-art Electric Propulsion System (EPS) for electric aircraft
• H55 is commercializing a 100kW fully certified EPS, with Equipmake providing motors based on H55 specifications, and H55 the certified motor controller
• Motors will be used by H55 for its customer project with BRM AERO, on a
  two-seater electric trainer, the Bristell B23 Energic aircraft
• New contract agreed for the next phase of electric motor development, taking the design through certification
• Certification of the motor is planned for the end of 2024, ready for production to start in 2025
• Contract follows an initial development and test phase of Equipmake’s lightweight, power dense, high-performance state-of-the-art electric motors specifically designed for electric aircraft

Equipmake, the UK-based engineering specialist pioneering the development and production of electrification products across the automotive, aerospace, bus, and coach industries, has secured a contract for the next phase of motor development with leading electric aerospace propulsion company H55.

Following on from an agreement which has seen Equipmake supply cutting-edge electric motors for prototype electric aircraft, the two companies are working together on a 100kW fully certified Electric Propulsion System (EPS) for H55’s customer project with BRM AERO, for use on a two-seater electric trainer, the Bristell B23 Energic.

With Equipmake supplying lightweight, power-dense, high-performance state-of-the art electric motors based on H55 specifications, and H55 the certified motor controller, the two companies have now signed a new agreement for the next phase of motor development. Certification of the motor is planned to be completed by end of 2024, ready for production to start in 2025.

Ian Foley, CEO, Equipmake said: “I am delighted to see that our collaboration efforts with H55 – one of the world’s leading electric aerospace propulsion companies – is coming to fruition with this contract. This is another validation of our strategy of leveraging our core IP in new markets via collaboration with leading strategic partners.

“The BRM Aero Project is a fantastic programme, and an important development for clean aviation, one of which we are proud to be involved in as it combines both pioneering engineering and industry leading design to accomplish this highly advanced electric two-seater aircraft. It is a testament to the quality and innovation of our core IP to be a part of this project and we look forward to a constructive and mutually beneficial partnership with H55 in the future.”

Equipmake has been chosen for its expertise in advanced electrification technology and rapid manufacturing with bespoke high-performance motors created for H55 using its proprietary rotor design, using Halbach array technology to deliver significant advantages.

Led by former F1 engineer Ian Foley, Equipmake has forged its reputation on advanced EV technology, delivering a suite of electrification solutions from electric motors to complete EV powertrains for a wide range of customers, serving the automotive, marine, mining, off-highway, and aerospace sectors.

H55, a Swiss company, is a leading enabler of EPS and battery systems, with proven ability in developing, integrating, and flight-testing electric propulsion systems, including Solar Impulse, the first solar-powered electric airplane to fly around the world.

About Equipmake

Equipmake has more than 20 years of experience developing and integrating industry-leading innovative electric powertrains. It provides the complete solution. Not only is Equipmake a leader in ultra-high-performance electric motors, but also complete EV drivetrains and ultra-fast power electronic systems. As well as developing proprietary technology – from motors to inverters – it also offers EV consultancy.

CEO Ian Foley is a highly experienced engineer who has worked at the pinnacle of global motorsport – from Le Mans to F1 – and Equipmake’s team of expert engineers can take a project from initial specifications through modelling, simulation, design, prototyping, testing and then production in tight timescales.

Using this expertise, Equipmake has become a global leader in the repowering of buses – most recently completing an all-electric repower of the New Routemaster, as well as partnering with First Bus to upgrade its fleet – while the company has also expanded into the electrified aerospace sector, providing state-of-the-art electric motors for Gilmour Space Technologies’ rockets, as well as in VTOL.

Equipmake also continues to supply leading technology to electric sports car and hypercar projects too.