Woodward’s Brushless DC (BLDC) motors were originally derived from our AC motor product line. Woodward has been producing BLDC motors for critical aerospace and defense applications for more than 30 years.
Size & Capacity
Woodward’s BLDC motors represent the highest power and power density of all of the motors that we produce. Woodward BLDC motors are available in a variety of rotor magnet materials, including both Neodymium and Samarium-Cobalt alloys. The size range includes the popular inch-series diameter codes from Size 8 to Size 80 (.75” to 8.0”) and a variety of core lengths. Woodward also offers several larger sizes up to 8 inches in nominal diameter with a peak power output of up to 100 horsepower.
Commutation Sensors
Woodward offers a variety of commutation sensors including hall-effect or solid- and wound-rotor resolvers, depending o the application. We can optimize resolver-based units for minimum ripple torque using sinusoidal motor current drive. Woodward also offers sensorless BLDC designs which are particularly useful in modern turbomachinery applications.
Other common applications for Woodward’s BLDC motor products include:
- Target and navigation servos
- Weapon turrets
- Cabin pressure
- Utility actuation
- Flight controls
- Pump drives
- Fan drives
Qualification & Related Experience
Woodward’s qualification testing and everyday service experience includes the full Aerospace/Military ranges for:
- Vibration
- Shock
- Temperature
- Altitude
- Moisture, etc.
Woodward can furnish BLDC motors with an overall high-temperature construction and an insulation system rated up to +220°C minimum.
Frameless, Wet & Sealed Applications
The permanent magnet rotor is powerful enough to function well in a relatively large air gap, which allows Woodward to offer dimensionally forgiving frameless (un-housed) products, as well as the introduction of pressure-sealing membranes for dry winding – wet rotor applications, necessary for critical fuel or hydraulic pump applications.
Woodward can also provide integral accessory devices such as tachometers, leadscrew output shafts, brakes, and gearheads.
Woodward is at the forefront of providing reliable and affordable, advanced technology brushless DC motors solutions. For more information or assistance with your particular application, contact us at
afs-motors@woodward.com