KDE Direct
About
About KDE Direct
KDE Direct designs brushless motors, electronic speed controllers and propellers as matched propulsion systems for multirotor aircraft. Motor families span smaller commercial platforms through heavy-lift systems, with winding, voltage and thermal configurations selected around required thrust and endurance. UAS35 and UAS40 electronic speed controllers provide current handling, telemetry and motor-control features for larger aircraft.
Aircraft builders use KDE’s published thrust and efficiency data to select a motor, propeller and ESC combination against the intended battery and payload. The company also develops custom propulsion for military and industrial programmes requiring different connectors, software or mechanical interfaces. Products are designed and supported in the United States, while customers integrate them with their own airframe, flight controller and power system.
Team
- Leslie Koegler - Co-founder and co-owner - Co-founded KDE Direct.
Timeline
Events
- 2023-09-12 - Capability - KDE Direct adds DroneCAN communication to UVC ESC firmware
The firmware transmits voltage, current, temperature, RPM and power information through the CAN link. DroneCAN enables throttle control and health monitoring with compatible ArduPilot and PX4 systems.
Source - 2018-10-23 - Product Launch - KDE Direct releases KDECAN protocol for UAS ESC communication
CAN-bus messages provide backup throttle control when an ESC loses its primary throttle signal. The protocol exposes live telemetry and system warnings alongside ESC control. KDE worked with Pixhawk ArduPilot developers to implement KDECAN in Mission Planner.
Source
Context
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Context tags
- UAV propulsion component supplier - Stack Layer - Motor and ESC products map to UAV propulsion components.
- Component supply - Commercial Stage - Motor and ESC products support component-supplier classification.
- Actuator component supplier - Stack Layer - Brushless motors are actuation/motion components.