ASTM F3338
Scope
1.1 This specification covers minimum requirements for the design of Electric Propulsion Units (EPU).
1.2 Distributed propulsion is not excluded; however, additional requirements will be needed to address the additional issues that distributed propulsion
can create. Some of those issues may include: use of a common motor controller/inverter, segregated electric harnesses, cooling systems, electric power supplies, and others.
1.3 This specification does not address all of the requirements that may be necessary for possible hybrid configurations where an EPU and a combustion
engine drive a common thruster. This specification may be used for the EPU aspects with supplemental requirements for the thruster and the combustion engine.
1.4 Although this specification does not include specific requirements for EPUs that include gearboxes, thrusters, or any energy storage systems, it also
does not preclude such capabilities. This specification may be used for the base EPU aspects of the design, with supplemental requirements for any additional features prepared by the
manufacturer and submitted to the Civil Airworthiness Authority for acceptance. This version of this ASTM specification also does not address all of the requirements necessary for
configurations of motor driven ducted-fans. It is anticipated that the fan would be subject to parts of 14 CFR 33 or CS-E and/or 14 CFR 35 or CS-P, or equivalent, in particular blade-off and
bird strike. These would be conducted on the fan as a unit (including motor) rather than on motor or fan alone.
1.5 The applicant for a design approval should seek the individual guidance of their respective civil aviation authority (CAA) body concerning the use of
this specification as part of a certification plan. For information on which CAA regulatory bodies have accepted this specification (in whole or in part) as a means of compliance to their
general aviation aircraft airworthiness regulations (hereinafter referred to as “the Rules”), refer to ASTM Committee F39 webpage (www.ASTM.org/COMITTEE/F39.htm), which includes CAA website
links.
1.6 When applicable, this specification may be used for EPUs with a fixed-pitch propeller or fan. These configurations may be type-certificated as an EPU
including a thruster. There may be additional requirements not currently included in this specification for this type configuration. In addition, 5.25 is
included as a test requirement for the EPU. That section recognizes that when the EPU does not have an integral thruster it will need to be tested with a representative load on the drive shaft
to assure EPU ability to operate properly with static and dynamic loads.
1.7 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are
provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this
standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.9 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on
Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Keywords
electric propulsion unit (EPU);
ICS Code
ICS Number Code 49.050 (Aerospace engines and propulsion systems)
DOI: 10.1520/F3338-20