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Streamlining Aerospace and Defense Development with COTS Motors

November 30, 2023

Innovation and efficiency are crucial for meeting stringent specifications and demanding environments in the Aerospace and Defense industry. Enter Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) motors, or readily available commercial motors that are easily accessible "off-the-shelf." These motors can be swiftly adapted to meet specific requirements by incorporating suitable materials or components, making them ideal for the rigorous demands of A&D applications and a game-changer in reducing development time and costs while maintaining robust performance.

The Benefits of Using Commercial-Off-The-Shelf Motors in A&D Projects

Deploying a COTS motor in an A&D project often serves as a starting point, allowing for a swift prototype creation to validate a proof of concept. A key benefit of COTS solutions lies in their existing documentation and tooling, significantly reducing the time and expenses involved in the design process. While a new motor design might take over a year to finalize its tooling, COTS products are already equipped with established tooling and processes. It is crucial to note, however, that this initial design is just the beginning, involving subsequent iterations, modifications, and extensive validation testing to align with rigorous military specifications, environmental conditions, and quality system mandates.

The advantages of utilizing COTS solutions in the Aerospace & Defense sector are substantial:

  • Competitive Pricing: COTS motors are readily available in the market at competitive prices with short lead times.
  • Access to Expertise: Partnering with experienced motor manufacturers facilitates customization for rugged environments and specific application testing.
  • Reduced Development Times: Employing COTS products for prototypes accelerates design cycles, resulting in reduced costs and quicker time-to-market.
  • Latest Technology Integration: Manufacturers continuously improve designs based on the latest technologies, allowing defense contractors to benefit from advancements in materials and processes.

Note: A design-from-scratch method is an alternative to the COTS method and involves contracting a motor manufacturer to develop a product tailored precisely to the desired specifications. While this approach ensures a more tailored solution, it comes at the cost of extensive time and resources. Moreover, finding a manufacturer with the requisite A&D-related experience can pose a significant challenge.

Leveraging COTS motors offers a streamlined pathway for A&D development, paving the way for meeting the exacting demands of the industry while significantly reducing development timelines and costs. Learn more about the ins and outs of using COTS motors in A&D projects, as well as the unique challenges of crafting motion solutions for this industry, by reading the full whitepaper here.

Interested in teaming up with Portescap for your next project? Reach out to us now – we’re ready to help!