Air Force Enlists UA Affiliate APEI for $3.5M Project
by April 23, 2014 10:05 am 99 views
The U.S. Air Force has contracted University of Arkansas affiliate company Arkansas Power Electronics International Inc. on a $3.5 million project to develop a power module for new fighter jets.
The design of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aligns with the Air Force’s effort to build “more-electric” and “all-electric” jets, according to a UA press release.
APEI’s module will utilize the company’s unique, wide band-gap material packaging, a high-performance semiconductor designed to withstand harsh environments, according to the news release.
The laboratory-tested, silicon-carbide power electronics technology developed at APEI will be transferred to a motor drive on the F-35 that allows the pilot to control the aircraft’s flight control surfaces, which include flight altitude, ability to turn, speed, stability and other vital features.