Specialist Motors

AMETEK Airtechnology specialises in designing and manufacturing custom brushed DC, brushless DC (BLDC), and asynchronous/induction AC motors. These motors cover a wide power range — from just a few watts for thrust vector control actuation and auxiliary lubrication pumps, up to high-power applications up to 140kW, such as engine cooling fans for armoured vehicles.

Our brushed DC motors typically operate at 24 to 48 volts, while brushless DC motors are commonly supplied at 270 volts. For higher power needs, we can provide BLDC motors with bus voltages up to 850V DC, delivering several kilowatts of output. We use a variety of BLDC technologies, including surface-mounted and interior permanent magnet rotors, ideal for liquid-cooled, high-density, high-speed applications like engine cooling fans.

Asynchronous induction motors are usually supplied without a dedicated controller, powered directly by a 400Hz three-phase or single-phase supply, with voltages up to 440 Vrms and power levels up to 12kW — primarily used in fan and pump applications. Both AC and DC motors are supplied as standard product or tailored to a specific customer requirement.

Our products are built to endure harsh environments, drawing on our expertise in fuel- and hydraulic-immersed motors for tasks like compressors or pumps, achieving high torque density even at ambient temperatures up to 175°C, with options for higher temperature tolerance on request. For applications requiring precise torque control, such as flight control actuation or radar positioning, our motors can be integrated with high-torque gearheads, speed and position sensors (encoders, resolvers, DC tachometers), and electromagnetic brakes.

Each motor is engineered using the latest modelling tools and built with advanced materials, backed by proven, reliable manufacturing processes.

Limited Angle Torque Motors (LATMs)

LATMs are ideal for use in seeker head gimbals where it's desirable to eliminate cogging torque. Two LATMs are typically used to give a seeker head assembly two axes of rotation. Operating in the final phase of flight, these units need to be stored for indefinite periods and then function under severe mechanical load and environmental conditions. Both motors consist of a housed stator with a high-density winding around a steel core connected to an EMI-screened cable, with a rotor built using high-grade samarium cobalt magnets mounted on a stainless-steel core.

Stepping Motors

A Stepping Motor is a digitally driven DC motor that provides positive angular positioning without needing feedback. We commonly supply three types — Permanent Magnet, Variable Reluctance, and Hybrid. Stepper motors are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes, and can be designed to specification or selected from our product range, which covers frame sizes from 05 to 34 (13mm to 85mm outside diameter) and step angles from 0.9° to 90°.