CSA Catapult has joined Project SONATA as a core technology partner, delivering a custom silicon carbide (SiC) power module to enable an on-aircraft electric taxi system with regenerative braking.
Project Overview
Project SONATA, funded by the UK’s Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) Programme, aims to develop an electric wheel taxiing system that allows aircraft to move on the ground using electric motors rather than main engines. This approach reduces fuel burn, emissions, noise, and brake wear during taxi operations. The ATI Programme, delivered in partnership with the Department for Business and Trade and Innovate UK, has invested over £3.5 billion in aerospace research since 2014.
CSA Catapult’s Role
CSA Catapult, a not-for-profit centre of excellence established by Innovate UK in 2018, is providing the critical power electronics and semiconductor integration for the system. Its scope includes designing, building, and validating the power electronic converters that drive the wheel actuator motors, as well as delivering control and monitoring functions. The organization is working alongside consortium partners Airbus, Evolito, DePe Gear, DSD, Magnomatics, the University of Southampton, and Denchi.
Manufacturing Implications
The bespoke SiC power module leverages active metal brazed (AMB) substrates for high thermal conductivity, additive manufacturing for lightweight structural components, and AI-driven design optimization. CSA Catapult is targeting an ambitious 15 kW/kg power density for its multi-level, multi-phase aerospace inverter topology. This design enables efficient power converters to be integrated into the space-constrained landing gear bay while maintaining reliability under vibration, shock, and thermal cycling.
Strategic Significance
Project SONATA represents a step toward cleaner, smarter aircraft operations, demonstrating how UK-led innovation in power electronics and compound semiconductors can unlock new capabilities for aviation. Industry Minister Chris McDonald highlighted the collaboration as evidence of government and business working together to keep the UK at the forefront of aerospace innovation. By delivering the core energy conversion and packaging technologies, CSA Catapult is helping pave the way for electric ground operations to become standard, reducing emissions and strengthening the UK’s position in next-generation aerospace electrification.
