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Crane A&E and BAE Systems Team up to Develop Power Electronics for Jaunt Air Mobility

June 26, 2021 by Stephanie Leonida

Crane A&E announces plans to work with BAE Systems to help develop power management systems for Jaunt Air Mobility's all-electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

Crane Aerospace and Electronics, Inc. (Crane A&E) is a global supplier of critical components and systems that target space, commercial aviation, and defense markets. Last month, the company announced its entry into a collaboration with British multinational arms, security, and aerospace company, BAE Systems, Inc. to provide guidance on the development of power management systems for Jaunt Air Mobility's all-electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

The Jaunt Journey Air Taxi. Image used courtesy of Jaunt 
The Jaunt Journey Air Taxi. Image used courtesy of Jaunt 

eVTOL Aircraft

Companies across the globe are pushing forward to reach clean energy and net-zero carbon emission goals under changing environmental policies. Energy-efficient, electric-powered aircraft are being developed to help reduce emissions and the negative impact these emissions can have on the environment. An eVTOL is a type of aircraft that uses electric power to take off, hover, and land vertically. According to a report by MarketsandMarkets, the eVTOL market is projected to grow from $162 million in 2025 to $411 million by 2030, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.42% from 2025 to 2030.

 

Supporting Jaunt’s Advanced Air Mobility Platform

Jaunt designs and builds eVTOL aircraft for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) to accommodate multiple markets. The company specializes in the provision of reduced rotor operating speed aircraft (ROSA). These types of aircraft feature technologies including tilting pylon control for indiscriminate passenger and package loading, dual propeller systems, and advanced thermoplastic structural design. Other technological features of Jaunt’s’ aircraft include a redundant actuation and electric system, advanced weather resilient systems, and a fly-by-wire flight control system with glass cockpit displays. 

In a news release from last month, Vice President & General Manager of Sensing & Power Solutions at Crane A&E, Hilary King, commented: "Crane A&E is investing in power management technologies that support the transformation to carbon-neutral air travel.” King added: "We are extremely pleased to collaborate with BAE Systems and Jaunt Air Mobility in advancing the next generation of air mobility.”

Crane A&E, BAE Systems, and Jaunt aim to pool their experience and work together to determine what level of power is needed to determine an optimum power electronics solution for Jaunt's developing AAM platform. Crane A&E will be providing its expertise in integrating high-voltage power conversion, distribution, and control.

“BAE Systems is excited to work with Crane A&E to develop power management systems for Jaunt’s AAM platform,” said Vice President and General Manager of Controls and Avionics Solutions at BAE Systems, Ehtisham Siddiqui. Siddiqui added: “This strategic collaboration will leverage the expertise and knowledge of both industry-leading companies to  advance energy management solutions for this emerging market.”

CEO of Jaunt, Martin Peryea. Image used courtesy of Jaunt 

The CEO of Jaunt, Martin Peryea also provided his comments: "Working with BAE Systems, we understand the value that Crane A&E offers. Power management is one of the vital transformative challenges for enabling AAM. These two organizations bring a level of aviation expertise unparalleled in the industry.”