The Technology Behind McMurtry and Lotus Evija Could Revive Concorde | Carscoops

      Helix is already powering the McMurtry Spéirling and has teamed up with a California startup aiming for affordable Mach 3 travel.

      Helix’s hypercar electric motors are now set for supersonic aviation.

      Astro Mechanica envisions making Mach 3 travel as commonplace as regular air travel.

      Currently, Helix supplies motors for the McMurtry Spéirling and Lotus Evija.

      Based in the UK, Helix has established itself in the industry by providing power to some of the world's most remarkable electric vehicles. You may not be familiar with the name, but you have likely seen its contributions in videos featuring the McMurtry Spéirling, Lotus Evija, or Aston Martin Valkyrie racing across the horizon.

      Additionally: McMurtry Speirling Breaks Top Gear Lap Record, Outperforming F1 Cars

      Now, Helix is collaborating with the Californian startup Astro Mechanica on an engine concept that aims to make supersonic passenger air travel feasible once more.

      What’s the Concept?

      Astro Mechanica seeks to achieve what the legendary Concorde could not. It aims to develop long-range supersonic aircraft that are efficient enough for routine use.

      To achieve this, the company has created a propulsion system called Duality. This adaptive hybrid electric system utilizes both a gas turbine and electric drive, adjusting its operation based on speed.

      At takeoff, it functions like a turbofan. At lower supersonic speeds, it acts like a turbojet. When approaching high speeds, it morphs closer to a ramjet.

      This adaptability is intended to address the issues that ultimately led to the decline of commercial supersonic air travel. While the engines excelled at high speeds, they lacked efficiency in other areas and consumed excessive fuel.

      Power Behind the Concept

      The current fourth-generation Duality prototype is equipped with four Helix SPX242-94 electric motors, each capable of producing up to 536 horsepower (544 PS / 400 kW) at peak performance. They power the two-stage compressor of the propulsion unit and can operate continuously at 402 horsepower (408 PS / 300 kilowatts).

      However, custom-designed radial flux motors for the fifth generation of Astro Mechanica’s propulsion system are also in the works, designed to deliver up to 1,274 horsepower (1,292 PS / 950 kW) for extreme-altitude flights.

      The company aims for its first flight in three years and to start commercial operations within a decade. If it comes to fruition by 2035 and Astro Mechanica is the first to provide supersonic air travel, it would mark a 32-year wait since the retirement of Concorde before a passenger aircraft once again exceeds the sound barrier.