Houston Daily

The University of Houston has secured a $2.8 million grant to develop an advanced power generation system for military drones. This funding aims to replace the current synchronous generator systems in Unmanned Aircraft Systems with a more efficient induction machine-based electrical power system.

Collaborating with GE Aerospace and Northrop Grumman, UH is leading this project under the guidance of Electrical and Computer Engineering Professors Kaushik Rajashekara and Hao Huang. "This project allows us to reduce the weight and cost of the overall system, while increasing its efficiency," said Rajashekara. "That means cleaner, more capable drones."

The initiative positions UH as a significant contributor to aerospace research, in partnership with the Air Force Research Laboratory. The project's development consists of three phases. The first phase involved concept development with GE Aerospace and concluded in 2024. Currently, the second phase focuses on design and analysis over nine months, followed by a two-year construction phase.

Rajashekara highlighted that this technology has been under consideration for over 15 years but gained traction recently within the aerospace industry. "We have been pushing for this technology," he noted. "Now, the Air Force is convinced they need to look at the induction generator-based technology for UAS applications. We’re happy that there’s interest."