Technology & Innovation
GE Aerospace Launches Advanced Silicon Carbide Power Devices for AI and EV
GE Aerospace introduces Gen-4 Silicon Carbide MOSFETs boosting energy efficiency in AI data centers, renewable energy, and electric vehicles.
The Quiet Revolution: How Silicon Carbide is Powering the Next Wave of Technology
In the relentless pursuit of technological advancement, the unsung hero is often not the glamorous application itself, but the foundational components that make it possible. We are in an era defined by data, and the explosion of Artificial Intelligence is placing an unprecedented strain on our energy infrastructure. Data centers, the sprawling nerve centers of the digital world, are consuming electricity at a staggering rate, creating a critical need for greater efficiency. This is where a compound called Silicon Carbide (SiC) steps out of the laboratory and into the spotlight. It represents a fundamental shift in power electronics, promising to handle more power, generate less heat, and operate in conditions that would incapacitate traditional silicon-based components.
GE Aerospace, a name synonymous with the extreme demands of aviation, has now turned its considerable expertise in high-performance materials toward this terrestrial challenge. The company recently announced the successful demonstration of its fourth-generation (Gen-4) SiC MOSFETs (metal-oxide-semiconductor-field-effect transistors). This isn’t just an incremental improvement; it’s a strategic pivot, leveraging decades of research in aerospace-grade electronics to tackle the burgeoning energy needs of AI data centers, renewable energy systems, and the automotive industry. The move signals a broader trend where technologies forged in the crucible of extreme environments are being adapted to solve some of our most pressing commercial and industrial problems.
The significance of this development lies in the unique properties of Silicon Carbide. Compared to the silicon that has powered the electronics industry for over half a century, SiC is a wide-bandgap semiconductor. This allows it to operate at higher voltages, frequencies, and temperatures, which translates directly into smaller, lighter, and vastly more efficient power systems. As AI models become more complex and data centers grow in scale, the efficiency of every single component, from the server power supply to the cooling systems, becomes paramount. GE’s entry into this market underscores a critical turning point: the quest for computational power is now inextricably linked to the quest for energy efficiency.
Forged in Extremes: GE’s Technological Edge
GE’s journey with Silicon Carbide wasn’t born out of the needs of a data center, but from the unforgiving conditions of aerospace and military applications. For nearly two decades, the company has been honing its SiC technology, from chip design to full system implementation, to meet the highest standards of reliability and performance. This long-term investment has culminated in their Gen-4 SiC MOSFETs, which boast specifications that push the boundaries of current industry standards. The chips are rated for 1200V and feature an industry-leading maximum operating temperature of 200°C. This high-temperature tolerance is a key differentiator in a market where most competitors’ products top out between 150°C and 175°C.
What does this higher temperature rating mean in practical terms? For a high-density environment like an AI data center, it means enhanced reliability and potentially reduced cooling requirements. Less energy spent on cooling means more energy available for computation, directly impacting the operational cost and environmental footprint of the facility. The Gen-4 chips also promise a higher current rating per chip area and faster switching speeds. Faster switching is crucial as it minimizes the amount of energy lost as heat during the power conversion process, further boosting overall system efficiency. This level of performance is a direct result of GE’s deep research and development, which has even demonstrated SiC MOSFETs capable of operating at temperatures exceeding 800°C in laboratory settings, hinting at future applications in hypersonic vehicles and space exploration.
The innovation isn’t just in the material science but also in the design. Analysis of GE’s previous generation modules revealed a unique gate design structure and the use of advanced packaging techniques like their Power Overlay (POL) technology. These design choices are critical for maximizing the performance of the SiC chips and ensuring their durability over long-term use. By bringing this aerospace-grade engineering to the commercial market, GE is not just offering a component; it’s offering a solution built on a foundation of extreme-environment reliability. This heritage provides a compelling argument for its adoption in mission-critical applications where failure is not an option, from industrial power grids to the servers running complex AI algorithms.
“Our newest Gen-4 SiC MOSFETs deliver a step change in performance that makes them very attractive across a wide range of industries, including automotive, renewables, AI data centers, and industrial electrical power,” said Kris Shepherd, president & GM, Electrical Power Systems for GE Aerospace.
Beyond the Data Center: A New Industrial Revolution
While the energy appetite of AI is a primary catalyst, the applications for GE’s advanced SiC technology extend far beyond data centers. The same properties that make these MOSFETs ideal for server power supplies also make them transformative for the renewable energy sector. In solar inverters, for example, higher efficiency means more of the DC power generated by solar panels is successfully converted to AC power for the grid, maximizing the output of clean energy installations. Similarly, in energy storage systems, SiC components reduce power loss during charging and discharging cycles, making the entire system more effective.
The automotive industry is another major beneficiary. As the world transitions to electric vehicles (EVs), the efficiency of the powertrain is a critical factor in determining a vehicle’s range and performance. SiC is already being used in EV inverters, on-board chargers, and fast-charging infrastructure to reduce power loss, which can extend driving range and significantly shorten charging times. The high-temperature tolerance of GE’s chips could be particularly advantageous in the compact and thermally challenging environment of an automotive powertrain. The technology’s reach even extends to high-performance applications like Formula 1 racing, where SiC inverters are part of kinetic energy recovery systems.
GE is entering a competitive but rapidly growing market. The global silicon carbide MOSFET market is projected to see substantial growth, driven by these diverse applications. Established players like Wolfspeed, STMicroelectronics, and Infineon are already major suppliers to the industrial and automotive sectors. However, GE’s strategic advantage lies in its vertically integrated expertise, spanning from fundamental material science to complex system-level applications. By leveraging its legacy in aerospace, the company is positioned not just as a component supplier, but as a partner capable of developing highly reliable, high-performance power electronic solutions for a new generation of industrial technology.
Conclusion: The Power of Efficiency
The introduction of GE Aerospace’s Gen-4 Silicon Carbide MOSFETs is more than a product launch; it’s a clear indicator of a strategy convergence. Technologies developed for the most demanding applications on, and off, the planet are now being deployed to solve fundamental challenges in commercial industries. The insatiable demand for data and the global push for electrification have created a critical inflection point where energy efficiency is no longer a secondary consideration but a primary driver of innovation. SiC technology stands at the heart of this shift, offering a pathway to more powerful, compact, and reliable power electronics.
As GE navigates this competitive landscape, its success will depend on its ability to scale production and forge strong partnerships within these new markets. The company’s deep technical expertise and its reputation for reliability provide a formidable foundation. The future of not just AI, but also renewable energy, electric transportation, and advanced industrial systems, will be shaped by the quiet revolution happening within the tiny electronic components that power them. The move from silicon to silicon carbide is a critical step in building a more efficient and sustainable technological future.
FAQ
Question: What is Silicon Carbide (SiC) and why is it better than traditional silicon?
Answer: Silicon Carbide is a wide-bandgap semiconductor material. Its properties allow electronic devices made from it to operate at much higher voltages, frequencies, and temperatures than conventional silicon. This results in power systems that are significantly more energy-efficient, smaller, and lighter.
Question: What are the main applications for GE’s new Gen-4 SiC MOSFETs?
Answer: The primary target applications include AI data centers (specifically their power supplies), renewable energy systems like solar inverters, and the automotive sector for electric vehicles (powertrains, chargers). They are also suited for a wide range of other high-power industrial and military applications.
Question: What makes GE’s SiC technology stand out from competitors?
Answer: A key differentiator is the industry-leading maximum operating temperature of 200°C, which is higher than most commercially available alternatives. This, combined with GE’s two decades of experience developing highly reliable SiC technology for the demanding aerospace sector, gives their products an edge in durability and performance in extreme conditions.
Sources
Photo Credit: GE Aerospace
Sustainable Aviation
KBR PureSAF Technology Selected for Kazakhstan First SAF Plant
KBR licenses PureSAF technology for Kazakhstan’s first SAF facility, using an alcohol-to-jet process with domestic feedstocks.
Global engineering firm KBR announced on August 24, 2026, that it secured a contracts to license its proprietary PureSAF technology and provide engineering design for Kazakhstan’s inaugural Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production facility. The project, developed in partnership with KazMunayGas-Aero LLP (KMG-Aero) and KazFoodProducts (KFP), will utilize domestic agricultural feedstocks to produce low-carbon aviation fuel via an alcohol-to-jet (AtJ) process.
In a press release detailing the contract award, KBR confirmed the agreement supports Kazakhstan’s strategic objective to establish itself as an international aviation hub while advancing aviation decarbonization. The planned facility will leverage technology developed in collaboration with Swedish Biofuels AB to convert ethanol into drop-in aviation fuel.
Technology and Project Scope
The facility will utilize KBR’s PureSAF technology, an alcohol-to-jet pathway designed to process agricultural feedstocks into sustainable aviation fuel. The foundational trilateral agreement covering the Process Design Package (PDP) and technology licensing was signed by KBR, KMG-Aero, and KFP in Astana on July 23, 2026. KBR, which employs approximately 37,000 people and operates in 28 countries, will provide the engineering framework required to scale the AtJ process for commercial output.
KBR Sustainable Technology Solutions President Jay Ibrahim stated the company is honored to support the national commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“KBR’s PureSAF is a feed-flexible, bankable technology that is designed to deliver high SAF yields and supports the project across the full lifecycle. We look forward to closely collaborating and supporting the successful execution of this landmark SAF project,” Ibrahim said.
Kazakhstan’s Aviation Decarbonization Strategy
The KBR contract follows a series of government initiatives aimed at building a domestic SAF supply chain. On August 4, 2026, Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov and Dr. Peter Lee of Hong Kong-based Full Vision Capital signed a memorandum of understanding to explore creating a green aviation fuel ecosystem in the city of Alatau. This proposed ecosystem would cover the full production cycle, from cultivating agricultural feedstock to manufacturing the finished product.
These infrastructure investments align with recommendations from global aviation regulators and industry groups. In April 2026, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) emphasized that continued investment in SAF, alongside new airport infrastructure, is critical for Kazakhstan to capitalize on global passenger and cargo traffic and strengthen its domestic aviation sector.
AirPro News analysis
The KBR contract award represents a concrete technical step in Kazakhstan’s ambition to localize SAF production, but several commercial variables remain undefined. The August 24 announcement did not disclose the financial value of the engineering contract, the projected production capacity of the facility, or a target completion date. We note that while the alcohol-to-jet pathway is a proven method for SAF production, scaling agricultural feedstock supply-chain domestically will be critical to the plant’s long-term viability. The parallel involvement of Full Vision Capital suggests the government is actively working to finance and structure this agricultural supply chain in the Alatau region to ensure the KBR-designed facility has the necessary inputs to operate at scale.
Sources: KBR
Photo Credit: Montage
Technology & Innovation
Boeing and GM Complete Sale of HRL Laboratories to IBM
Boeing and GM finalized the sale of HRL Laboratories to IBM on August 25, 2026, supporting Boeing’s refocus on core aerospace operations.
The Boeing Company and General Motors Company have finalized the sale of their jointly owned research facility, HRL Laboratories, to International Business Machines Corporation (IBM), a divestment that allows the aerospace and automotive manufacturers to redirect resources toward their primary industrial operations.
The transaction transfers ownership of the Malibu, California-based research center, which Boeing and GM previously held in a 50/50 joint venture. The companies initially announced the acquisition agreement on July 23, 2026. Boeing and GM confirmed the completion of the sale in a press release on August 25, 2026, followed by IBM’s official confirmation on August 26. Financial terms of the Acquisitions were not disclosed.
Strategic realignment for Boeing and GM
For Boeing, the sale of HRL Laboratories aligns with a broader corporate Strategy to streamline operations and concentrate capital on its core commercial airplanes, defense, and space divisions. HRL Laboratories was founded in 1948 and has historically provided advanced physical science and engineering research for its parent companies.
In a joint statement, Boeing and GM indicated that they will maintain a working relationship with the laboratory under its new ownership to support their respective technological needs.
“Since its founding in 1948, HRL Laboratories has been a leader in pioneering work in physical science and engineering, and we look forward to IBM building on this legacy. While Boeing and GM will continue to partner with IBM and HRL on quantum applications and advanced technology development, our companies will focus our resources on our respective core businesses and delivering the programs and services necessary to meet our customers’ evolving needs.”
IBM accelerates quantum hardware roadmap
The acquisition provides IBM with HRL’s expertise in silicon-spin qubits, quantum sensing, and advanced materials. IBM plans to integrate these technologies into its dual-track hardware strategy, combining its existing superconducting circuits with HRL’s silicon quantum dot research.
This integration supports the development of the IBM Quantum Starling, a fault-tolerant quantum computer projected to perform 100 million quantum operations by 2029.
Jay Gambetta, Director of Research and IBM Fellow, noted in a company statement that the HRL team brings a broad portfolio of technologies that will strengthen IBM’s long-term plans to deliver useful quantum computing. Gambetta stated the acquisition brings together advances across quantum computing, sensing, and networking.
Rob Vasquez, President and Chief Executive Officer of HRL Laboratories, described the acquisition as the natural next chapter for the facility, noting the team’s dedication to exploring how future quantum computers could be built at unprecedented scales.
AirPro News analysis
We view Boeing’s divestment of HRL Laboratories as a pragmatic step in its ongoing effort to stabilize and refocus its core aerospace Manufacturing businesses. While quantum computing and advanced materials research hold long-term promise for aerospace applications, maintaining a 50 percent stake in a dedicated research laboratory requires capital and management bandwidth that Boeing currently needs for its Commercial-Aircraft production and certification programs. By transitioning from an owner to a partner, Boeing retains access to HRL’s quantum advancements without the financial overhead of managing the joint venture.
Sources: The Boeing Company
Photo Credit: HRL Laboratories
Technology & Innovation
Archer Aviation and AEG to Build eVTOL Vertiport at LA LIVE
Archer Aviation and AEG announce a multi-year partnership to develop an eVTOL vertiport at LA LIVE ahead of the 2028 Olympics.
Archer Aviation Inc. and Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) have established a multi-year partnerships to construct a dedicated vertiport for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft at the L.A. LIVE district in downtown Los Angeles.
Announced in an August 24, 2026 press release, the agreement establishes Archer as the exclusive air taxi partner for the 4 million-square-foot sports and entertainment complex. The project serves as a central node for Archer’s planned Southern California network, targeting operational readiness ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Infrastructure and Network Expansion
The two companies have completed an initial feasibility study for the L.A. LIVE site. This assessment evaluated land-use requirements, airspace integration, power availability, and community impact. The project has now advanced to a secondary phase focused on operational procedures and passenger experience.
To support flight operations, the facility will incorporate electric aviation chargers manufactured by BETA Technologies. This hardware integration aligns with the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry’s ACES consortium, which aims to standardize charging infrastructure across different eVTOL platforms.
The downtown location will connect to a broader regional network. According to reporting by Aviation International News, Archer’s Los Angeles architecture includes a central operational hub at the newly acquired Hawthorne Municipal Airport (KHHR). Additional planned nodes include Los Angeles International Airport (KLAX), Hollywood Burbank Airport (KBUR), John Wayne Airport (KSNA), SoFi Stadium, and the University of Southern California. Pollstar News reports that passenger travel times across this network are estimated between 10 and 20 minutes.
Aligning with the LA28 Games
The vertiport development is closely tied to the upcoming LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Downtown Los Angeles Zone is scheduled to host 18 Olympic and Paralympic sports, positioning L.A. LIVE adjacent to Crypto.com Arena and the Los Angeles Convention Center as a high-traffic transit corridor. Archer previously secured the designation of Official Air Taxi Provider for the LA28 Games and Team USA.
Archer Founder and CEO Adam Goldstein highlighted the strategic timing of the infrastructure build.
“Working with AEG on an iconic project like this vertiport at L.A. LIVE gives us the opportunity to continue building the infrastructure needed for Southern California to lead in the next era of all-electric flight. We see this as a one-of-a-kind opportunity to add a flagship downtown location to our planned Los Angeles air taxi network ahead of the LA28 Games.”
AEG Global Partnerships President and Chief Operating Officer Nick Baker stated the collaboration blends infrastructure and technology to serve event attendees and the broader community.
Unconfirmed Site Details
While the partnership is confirmed, specific logistical details remain undisclosed. Aviation International News noted that the exact footprint of the vertiport within the L.A. LIVE campus has not been specified. Potential locations could include existing parking structures, including one with a 100,000-square-foot rooftop deck, though neither Archer nor AEG has verified a specific location. Funding structures, ownership models, and specific operational responsibilities for the vertiport also remain unannounced.
AirPro News analysis
Securing viable takeoff and landing real estate in dense urban centers remains one of the highest barriers to entry for the AAM sector. By partnering directly with AEG, Archer bypasses several municipal land-acquisition hurdles, leveraging existing private commercial space in a highly regulated downtown corridor. The decision to install BETA Technologies chargers is equally significant. We view this hardware choice as a pragmatic step toward interoperability, ensuring the site can potentially service mixed fleets in the future rather than operating as a closed ecosystem. The success of this node will likely depend on local airspace deconfliction over downtown Los Angeles and the finalization of high-capacity grid connections required for rapid turnaround times.
Sources: Archer Aviation
Photo Credit: Archer Aviation
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