UK's Helix powers supersonic startup Astro Mechanica. UK motor manufacturer Helix is partnering with California startup Astro Mechanica to provide electric motors for the latter's supersonic engine. Astro Mechanica's Duality engine is a hybrid propulsion unit designed to improve the fuel efficiency of supersonic flight. A turbogenerator uses a gas turbine to generate electricity via two motors, which power the four Helix SPX242-94 motors in the propulsors that control the fan and compressor. According to Helix, this layout allows the engine to operate like a turbofan at subsonic speeds and a turbojet at lower supersonic speeds, transitioning to a ramjet at very high supersonic speeds. Combined with Astro Mechanica's advanced airframe design, the Duality engine is claimed to be capable of producing speeds in excess of Mach 3, with the platform's fuel efficiency set to enable transpacific supersonic travel for the first time. "We are incredibly proud that our electric motors are powering Duality given its potential to reshape aviation and aerospace," said Derek Jordanou-Bailey, Aerospace chief engineer at Helix. "For decades, Helix has worked at the very cutting-edge of electric powertrain technology and are now a critical enabler in electrification journey of many high-performance sectors. Astro Mechanica's engine shows that our unrivalled power density stands to completely transform the engineering and economics of whole industries." The four Helix SPX242-94 radial flux motors that currently power Astro Mechanica's fourth-generation prototype are capable of 400kW of peak power with a maximum torque of 470Nm. On a continuous basis, they can output 300kW of power and 286Nm of torque. Helix is also designing custom motors for the fifth-generation propulsion system. The new motors are expected to output 900kW of continuous power in either generator or propulsion modes. Peak power is 950kW operating at up to 20,000rpm with a maximum torque capability of 575Nm. The new motor isolation system is also designed for extreme-altitude operation.

Ben Lamm and Harvard's George Church have launched Astromech, an AI company, raising $30 million, as per SEC filings. This venture builds on their collaboration at Colossal Biosciences. Lamm's history of securing capital is evident, with Colossal raising over $225 million. Astromech's funding positions it among well-capitalized early AI entrants, reflecting Lamm's knack for attracting investment in ambitious science and technology ventures.