270-Volt DC Contactor Solves Costs vs Performance Problems

Aircraft requiring greater electrical power for an increasing number of critical electrical loads are employing 270Vdc power. But to make, break or change the connection of electric circuits for the high voltage poses a significant challenge for the manufacturers of relays and contactors. Various solutions exist, but one contactor technology succeeds in resolving all of the obstacles: weight, high heat, safety, cost and performance.

The "more electric aircraft" is rapidly evolving. New aircraft designs are increasingly forsaking heavy, maintenance-intensive and (in combat) vulnerable hydraulic and pneumatic subsystems in favor of electrohydrostatic actuators (EHAs). EHAs, which combine electric and hydraulic power, are control systems designed to enhance aircraft performance while reducing weight by eliminating miles of tubing, pumps and valves required for aircraft with traditional controls.