The Growing eVTOL Aircraft Market and the Impact on Interconnect

Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft represent an emerging market set for significant expansion in both commercial and military sectors over the next decade. These versatile, small-scale drones, capable of vertical takeoff and landing, have the potential to revolutionize public transportation, providing crucial links between different modes of future-oriented transit, such as aerial taxis and delivery vehicles. As this market grows, it brings new challenges and opportunities to the interconnect industry, demanding innovative solutions for autonomous and environmentally friendly aircraft.

The Challenge of Interconnect Solutions for eVTOL Aircraft

The rise of eVTOL production drives the need for connectors that optimize size, weight, and power (SWaP) for line replaceable units (LRUs). eVTOL aircraft require significant electrical power for takeoff and flight, presenting a challenge for specifying connectors capable of handling high voltages and peak kW outputs. This includes components for electric propulsion motors, controllers, batteries, inverters, sensors, and infotainment systems. Safety is paramount, as connectors must manage peak amperage during landings and endure vibrations and shocks without compromising integrity.

Minimizing the gross takeoff weight is critical, which includes the weight of avionics and interconnects. Interconnect solutions are essential across various systems in eVTOL aircraft, such as power distribution, infotainment, avionics, flight control, and navigation. Each system faces unique challenges—e.g., in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems require connectors that handle low-voltage, high-bandwidth simultaneously, while avionics and flight control systems demand high-reliability connectors.

Introducing RAPTOR: Amphenol LTD’s Latest Connector Series

The RAPTOR series from Amphenol LTD is expertly designed for high voltage and high current applications in E-Flight, E-VTOL, and hybrid systems.

Key Features:

TALON High-Temperature Contacts: Enhanced durability and performance.
Shell Sizes: Ranging from 15 to 25.
Silver-Plated Copper Contacts: For superior conductivity.
Nickel-Plated Aluminum Housings: Robust and lightweight.
High-Voltage Insulator Material: Ensures reliable performance.
Increased Creepage & Clearance Distances: Enhanced safety and reliability.
Advanced Insulation Geometry: Optimized for high-voltage electric fields.
High-Altitude Voltage Performance: Designed for operation at aircraft altitudes.

Performance Overview: The RAPTOR connector series is engineered for partial discharge-free operation at 2.0KV AC(rms) at 30,000 feet, making it ideal for use in batteries, generators, motors, and power distribution units. It excels in terminating screened HV power cables for aerospace applications.

Design Heritage: Based on the proven Amphenol Ltd Rhino series, RAPTOR is re-engineered for aerospace with the new TALON contacts, offering an extended temperature capability up to 200°C.

Additional Features:

IP68 Sealing: Ensures reliability in harsh conditions.
Anti-Decoupling Ratchet Mechanism: Guarantees a secure connection even in high-vibration environments.
Superior EMC Performance: Meets future demands of high-power e-flight systems.

The RAPTOR series is the next step in high-power connectivity solutions, providing unmatched performance and reliability for advanced aerospace applications. To learn more about Amphenol LTD’s RAPTOR Series, visit www.peigenesis.com.