Arkansas Power Electronics International Lands $3.5 Million Air Force Contract

The U.S. Air Force has awarded a $3.5 million contract to Arkansas Power Electronics International Inc. to develop a high-temperature silicon carbide power module for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

APEI specializes in advanced, high-performance electronics for a variety of customers and applications, including the defense, aerospace and hybrid/electric vehicle markets. The company is the largest company affiliated with the University of Arkansas at the Arkansas Research and Technology Park.

The Joint Strike Fighter, currently in development, is part of the Air Force’s new “more electric” and “all electric” aircraft design philosophy, which mandates the replacement of costly and bulky mechanical hydraulic aircraft flight control systems with lighter weight, high-reliability, low-maintenance electric motors and drives.

APEI frequently collaborates with faculty at the University of Arkansas and a majority of its 49 employees are graduates of the university.