Magnetic gearing is an alternative to mechanical gearing , where torque is transferred through magnetic force as opposed to contact force . The technology has the potential to be used in aircraft applications , without the lubrication , noise , and maintenance issues that can exist with mechanical gearing . Initial design and prototype development work was done at NASA to create a foundational understanding of the technology and the factors that influence its specific torque . The specific torque achieved through design optimization was found to be less than that of high - torque mechanical aircraft transmissions , but may be comparable to that of lower torque mechanical transmissions for electrified vertical takeoff and landing aircraft . The lessons learned from NASA 's initial technology development and the direction of NASA 's future work in field are discussed .