Calnetix has recently completed the design and development of the next generation medium voltage, megawatt high speed motor drive system using 10 kV Silicon Carbide power devices. A 1.6 MW medium voltage motor supported by active magnetic bearings has been designed as a test platform for the system. The heteropolar radial magnetic bearings feature a winding topology with separate bias, cos (x-control)and sin (y-control) coils on each pole. This approach is shown to produce a more uniform load capacity versus angle than the conventional bi-quadrant winding scheme. This paper describes the design and motivation for the machine with primary emphasis on the magnetic bearing system. Preliminary bench test results of the actuator are described and compared to predictions. Future applications for this type machine in wastewater recovery, exhaust gas remediation, and natural gas compression are discussed.