The paper explores the theory and potential of a family of doubly salient electronically-switched reluctance motors. It is demonstrated that the machine provides the basis for fully-controllable variable-speed systems, which are shown to be superior to conventional systems in many respects. The motor retains all the advantages normally associated with induction motors and brings significant economy in the drive electronics. The basic modes of operation, analysis, design considerations and experimental results from a range of prototype motors up to 15 kW at 750 rev/min are described. The most recent prototype has achieved a continuous rating which is 1.4 times that of the equivalent induction motor.