The Centre for Air Power Studies and Indian Military Review will organise Advanced Materials for Aerospace and Defence Applications seminar & exhibition on 3 December 2025 at the Air Force Auditorium, New Delhi.

Relevance of Military Power Systems (MPS)

The event will cover a comprehensive review of the latest advancements in military power systems and foster engaging discussions among officers and defense industry professionals.

The importance of military power systems for military aerospace applications has been enhanced with better Advanced Energy Storage Solutions, Smart Power Management, Hybrid and Electric Propulsion options available today.

Advanced batteries and supercapacitors are making an impact on improving the endurance, efficiency, and reliability of military aerospace systems. Smart power management systems are available to ensure optimal performance of aerospace applications, reduce energy wastage, and enhance the sustainability of military operations.

The event will provide an opportunity to discuss the advancements and benefits of hybrid and electric propulsion technologies in military aviation, including reduced dependency on traditional fuels, lower operational costs, and environmental considerations.

MPS for Aerospace Applications

Fighter aircraft need to power the various systems on the aircraft, other than engines, ie, avionics and weapons systems. Weight is critical, hence, power system must be lightweight as well with high power-to-weight ratio. For flying for extended periods of time without maintenance, the power system must be highly reliable and safe to use in punishing environments.

There have been several recent developments in providing aerospace equipment with reliable and long-lasting power supplies, thus increasing performance and autonomy of the equipment, eg:

• Power Distribution Units (PDUs) - Equipment for distributing power in military aircraft and vehicles.
• Advanced Battery Systems - Lithium-ion, solid-state, and other battery technology for aerospace applications.
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Power Systems - Specialized power solutions for drones and UAVs.
• Microturbines - Compact turbines for efficient power generation in military applications.
• Dynamic Load Management Systems - Solutions for optimizing load distribution in military aircraft.
• Wiring Harnesses - Customized wiring solutions for aircraft and military vehicles.
• Environmental Control Systems - For managing temperature and pressure in aerospace applications.
• Integrated Avionics Power Systems - Systems combining avionics and power management for military aircraft.
• Next-Generation Aircraft Batteries - Innovative battery solutions for military aviation.
• Hybrid Electric Propulsion Systems - Hybrid systems for improved efficiency in military aircraft.
• Power Management Software - Tools for optimizing power consumption in military systems.

MPS for Defence Applications

Military equipment is required to be used for extended periods of time without maintenance, in a variety of environments, rough terrain and harsh conditions, including hot and cold temperatures. They cannot be allowed to fail. Military systems have limited space for power systems. They are susceptible to EMI and EMC issues. The power sources need to provide long-lasting power, be portable and utilize minimum fuel and increase the system's endurance. The power source must be compact to fit in the limited space.

Some of the Military Power Systems for common defence applications are as follows:

• Tactical Power Generators - Portable generators designed for field operations.
• Energy Harvesting Devices - Systems that capture energy from the environment for use in military applications.
• Microgrid Solutions - Integrated systems for managing energy use in military installations.
• Hybrid Power Systems - Systems combining conventional power sources with renewables.
• Fuel Cells - Clean energy sources with applications in military vehicles and aircraft.
• Emergency Power Supplies - Backup systems for critical military operations.
• Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) - Advanced systems for launching naval aircraft.
• Solid-State Transformers - Modern transformer technology for more efficient power conversion.
• Thermal Management Systems - Cooling solutions for electronic equipment in high-performance environments.
• Power Conditioning Equipment - Devices to ensure consistent power quality in military applications.
• Smart Grid Technology - Advanced networks for efficient energy management in military bases.
• Portable Solar Power Systems - Solar technology designed for use in the field.
• High-Efficiency Charging Systems - Rapid charging solutions for military battery-operated devices.
• Energy Storage Solutions - Advanced storage systems for military applications.
• Power Electronics Components - Components like inverters and converters tailored for military use.
• Remote Monitoring Systems - Solutions for real-time monitoring of power systems.
• Defense Energy Networks - Secure networks for energy sharing among military assets.
• Resilient Power Architectures - Designs that ensure power supply continuity under adverse conditions.
• Wearable Power Devices - Lightweight power solutions for soldiers and personnel.