Helix Partners with Astro Mechanica to Power Next-Generation Supersonic Electric Propulsion
London, December 2, 2025 (Oilandgaspress) – Helix, a trading name of Integral Powertrain Ltd and the UK manufacturer of the world’s most power-dense electric motors and inverters, has partnered with California-based Astro Mechanica to provide electric motors for the startup’s adaptive engine concept.
Currently, four Helix SPX242-94 motors are integrated into Astro Mechanica’s proprietary Duality™ propulsion system, a dual-use hybrid-electric architecture designed to tackle fuel efficiency challenges in supersonic flight. The system has near-term military and civilian applications, including national defense, orbital launch, and long-range cargo delivery.
Duality™ separates the propulsion unit from the turboshaft core: a gas turbine drives a turbogenerator to produce electricity for the four Helix motors in the propulsors, which control the fan and compressor. This adaptive system enables the engine to mimic a turbofan at subsonic speeds, a turbojet at lower supersonic speeds, and transition to a ramjet at very high supersonic speeds, delivering efficiency across flight profiles from takeoff to Mach 3+.
At the heart of Astro Mechanica’s fourth-generation prototype, the Helix SPX242-94 motors power the 2-stage compressor of the propulsor unit. Each motor delivers 400 kW peak power with a maximum torque of 470 Nm, and 300 kW continuous power at 286 Nm torque, all in an exceptionally compact and power-dense package.
Looking ahead, Helix is developing custom motors for the fifth-generation Duality™ propulsion system, which will power the turbogenerator. These motors are expected to produce 900 kW continuous power in either generator or propulsion mode, with 950 kW peak power, 575 Nm torque, and operate at up to 20,000 rpm, designed for extreme-altitude conditions.
This collaboration positions Helix and Astro Mechanica at the forefront of supersonic hybrid-electric propulsion, paving the way for the world’s first supersonic aircraft with transpacific capability.
Read more: Helix Motors Power New Generation of Supersonic Jet Engines
