CRG Defense has been awarded a $2 million contract by the U.S. Army to design and prototype a lightweight, high-performance electric motor/generator system for hybrid-electric military vehicles. This initiative supports a broader $17.25 million federal program aimed at accelerating hybrid-electric propulsion technologies across next-generation ground and air defense platforms.

Under this contract, CRG Defense will develop a 50-kilowatt-class permanent magnet electric machine optimized for high-voltage (400 800V) applications. The system will be entirely designed, sourced, and manufactured in the U.S., reinforcing domestic capabilities for advanced defense electrification.

This is a clean-sheet design tailored to meet Army mission needs, said Jake Monat, Vice President of Innovation at CRG Defense. We re building domestic capacity for power-dense electric machines that begin with defense applications and scale into commercial opportunities.

A key differentiator of the CRG approach is its emphasis on advanced composite manufacturing to meet aerospace-grade performance requirements, including high torque, speed, and compact packaging. The company is incorporating:

• High-rate compression molded composites for scalable, efficient production
• Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) structures to minimize weight while ensuring structural integrity
• Composite-based magnetic retention systems to secure permanent magnets in high-speed rotors

With only a limited number of U.S.-based suppliers capable of delivering high-power, high-voltage electric machines suitable for military use, the project addresses a strategic vulnerability in the national defense supply chain.

This investment helps fill a critical industrial gap, said Chris Hemmelgarn, Chief Technology Officer. We re looking to partner with system integrators and OEMs that need custom-built, American-made electric machines for air, land, or maritime platforms.

CRG Defense brings nearly 30 years of experience in developing integrated propulsion technologies, including batteries, power electronics, motor controllers, and ducted fans. This project builds on that legacy, delivering scalable, mission-ready solutions for defense and dual-use markets. It also reinforces Ohio s growing role as a hub for high-tech defense manufacturing, aligning with regional efforts to expand the industrial base for advanced mobility systems.

Source: crgdefense.com