Avionics
High-voltage Electric Aircraft Need Improved Connectors
TE Connectivity is displaying a wide array of high-voltage connectors for new eVTOL aircraft.
TE Connectivity is displaying high-voltage connectors for eVTOL aircraft.
TE Connectivity's Paris Air Show exhibit shows high-voltage connectors for eVTOL aircraft. (Photo: David McIntosh))

TE Connectivity is applying its expertise to help electric aircraft developers cope with ever-increasing high-voltage direct current loads. The interconnect technology specialist’s stand at the Paris Airshow features an eye-catching transparent acrylic mockup featuring no fewer than 120 components the company produces for new eVTOL vehicles, including 50 different types of connectors.

Safety ranks as the top concern, according to Karl Kitts, TE’s senior engineering manager for advanced systems architecture. Electrical loads as high as 1,000 volts mean less time to react to a failure condition. Installing faster circuit protection can resolve that issue. “With these power levels, you could burn through a fuel line very quickly,” he warned.

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