Plettenberg Unveils Innovative Lightweight Inrunner BLDC Motors for UAVs
Plettenberg has introduced an advanced lineup of lightweight, rugged inrunner BLDC motors, expanding upon its established NOVA product line. These new models are specifically engineered for applications where weight is a critical factor, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Remarkably, they are considerably lighter than their standard NOVA counterparts while maintaining the same durable construction.
Introducing the NOVA 15-20 LW Model
The inaugural model in this lightweight series, the NOVA 15-20 LW, boasts impressive specifications, including a peak shaft power of up to 8 kW, peak torque reaching 12 Nm, and a maximum thrust of 300 N when paired with a 30×10″ propeller. Plettenberg is also set to launch lightweight variants of the entire NOVA motor range in the near future.
Thorough Redesign for Enhanced Performance
the engineering team at Plettenberg undertook an extensive redesign of the motor to achieve these advancements. Key modifications include a lighter housing and shaft, an innovative cooling fin design, and options for both rear and front mounting configurations.Additionally, the motors feature upgraded, lightweight bearings and a newly integrated prop coupling system tailored for UAV applications. Various sensor types are also available to meet diverse operational needs.
Weight Reduction and Customization Options
Weighing in at just 1,440 grams, including the prop coupling, this new motor represents a weight reduction of up to 15% compared to the standard model.Like the original NOVA series, the lightweight motors can be customized to align with specific customer load profiles.Customization options include alterations to housing and shaft design, pole count, winding configurations, cooling systems, and sensor integration.The NOVA lightweight series is designed with an IP54 rating as standard, ensuring durability in various environments.
Industry Insights from Plettenberg’s Leadership
Bastian Greiner, CEO of Plettenberg, stated, “For years, plettenberg has been at the forefront of developing robust drive solutions that offer exceptional power-to-weight ratios. With our new lightweight series, we are setting a benchmark for rugged inrunner BLDC motors. This series is specifically designed for our clients in the uncrewed systems sector, who require reliable performance in challenging conditions while minimizing weight to enhance operational endurance.”
