Electric Motor

What Is an Electric Motor?

An electric motor is a device that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy, typically producing rotational motion that drives shafts, pumps, actuators or propulsion systems.

In the defense industry, electric motors form the backbone of countless subsystems — from turret drives and missile fin actuators to the propulsion of electric and hybrid platforms. The Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) lists the term in its official defense terminology, reflecting its central role in modern weapon systems and military platforms.

How Does an Electric Motor Work?

Electric motors operate on the principle of electromagnetic induction: current flowing through a coil inside a magnetic field generates a force (the Lorentz force), which is converted into torque on the rotor. Depending on construction, motors can be DC, AC induction, brushless DC (BLDC), or permanent-magnet synchronous (PMSM) types.

For military use, designers favor brushless and permanent-magnet architectures because they offer higher power density, better thermal behavior, and longer service life. Redundant windings, sealed bearings and certified components are standard to guarantee uninterrupted operation under shock, vibration and extreme temperatures.

Where Are Electric Motors Used in Defense?

• Turret stabilization and gun-laying drives on armored vehicles such as the ALTAY main battle tank
• Control-surface actuators and fin servos on missiles and guided munitions
• Electric and hybrid propulsion on unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) and electric UAVs
• Auxiliary power units, fuel pumps and cooling fans on aircraft and naval platforms
• Antenna and radar pedestal positioning for systems like the AESA radar
• Field power generation and on-platform power distribution in mobile command posts

Key Features and Advantages

• High power density — more torque and power per kilogram than hydraulic alternatives
• Precise control — closed-loop electronic drives deliver sub-degree positioning accuracy
• Low signature — quiet, low-heat operation supports stealth and electric drive concepts
• Reliability — brushless designs eliminate brush wear, extending mean time between failures
• Reduced logistics — no hydraulic fluid leaks, simpler maintenance in the field

Electric Motors in Türkiye

Türkiye has invested heavily in indigenous electric-motor and electric-drive technology over the past two decades. Under SSB coordination, companies such as ASELSAN, ROKETSAN, TUSAŞ and a growing ecosystem of SMEs design and produce servo motors, BLDC drives and high-power propulsion motors used in missile actuators, UAV control surfaces, naval platforms and ground vehicle turrets.

Domestic-content ratios in the Turkish defense sector have risen from roughly 20% in the early 2000s to over 80% today, and electric drives are one of the strategic subsystem families that has benefited the most from this push for indigenous capability.

Quick Facts

• Category: Electromechanical component
• Function: Converts electrical energy into mechanical (rotational) motion
• Common types: DC, AC induction, brushless DC (BLDC), permanent-magnet synchronous (PMSM)
• Typical defense applications: Turret drives, missile fin actuators, UAV/UUV propulsion, radar positioning
• Key Turkish stakeholders: ASELSAN, ROKETSAN, TUSAŞ, HAVELSAN, SSB

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "electric motor" mean in the defense context?

It refers to any electromechanical device that converts electrical energy into mechanical motion to drive a defense subsystem — for example, turret drives, missile actuators or UAV propulsion.

Where are electric motors used in military systems?

They are used wherever precise, reliable motion is needed: armored-vehicle turrets, missile control surfaces, UAV and UUV propulsion, radar and antenna positioners, and auxiliary systems on aircraft and ships.

Does Türkiye produce its own defense-grade electric motors?

Yes. Under SSB coordination, Turkish companies including ASELSAN, ROKETSAN and TUSAŞ design and manufacture servo motors and electric drives used across indigenous defense programs.

Where can I learn more about defense electric motors?

Official SSB publications, technical documents from ASELSAN, ROKETSAN, TUSAŞ, HAVELSAN and STM, and sector resources such as the Envanter Medya defense glossary are good starting points.