The electrical power demand in aircraft has shown a very marked increase in recent years consequent on the development of many new airborne electrical devices in the field of armaments, communications and the control of flight. Whereas not many years back the total demand on the largest aircraft could be supplied from a small windmill driven generator of fractional kilowatt output, designs are now in existence requiring 24 kW. generating capacity, while larger loads are projected for future types.

The power distribution problem has therefore been widely modified and the increased importance of the electrical services performed has considerably raised the status of a onetime Cinderella.