AMERICAN MAGLEV TECHNOLOGY OF FLORIDA, INC. — Department of Defense SBIR Phase II: DLA161-002

Description

Since World War II, normal aircraft braking is achieved through a system of hydraulically activated carbon brakes located on the main wheels of the aircraft. These friction-based systems offer limited performance and reduced braking capabilities due to brake fade, overheating, thermal loading issues, and generally higher operational, maintenance, repair and overhaul costs over the life cycle of the braking system. Though our previous efforts, we have successfully demonstrated how a new, electromagnetic-based system built on low cost of ownership, high-torque to low-weight performance, high reliability, and higher level of safety control of braking forces would better serve the aerospace industry and offer significant advantages over carbon brakes, including: 1. Recapture some of the available kinetic energy during the landing event to increase the overall efficiency of the aircraft. 2. Transfer this available kinetic energy from the landing wheels through a motor generator to an energy storage device onboard the aircraft. 3. Use this stored energy during ground taxiing operations as a means to eliminate taxi fuel burn while the aircraft is on the ground. 4. Reduce the number of hours spent on maintenance of the conventional braking system. 5. Reduce the time on engines and engine thrust cycling in taxi.