A brushless a.c. generator is described which has a mode of operation similar to two wound-rotor induction machines connected in cascade. This cascade machine, which has previously been considered for application as a motor, has single stator and rotor windings in a conventional induction-machine frame. The machine is one of inherently high pole number. As an alternator, therefore, it is suitable for the generation of medium- to high-frequency supplies. The direct excitation current and the alternating output current flow in its one stator winding. Its cylindrical rotor iswound with an extremely simple short-circuited polyphase winding. Since no brushes, slip rings or rotating diodes are needed, the machine may be driven reliably at high speeds.A theoretical treatment is developed which takes account of magnetic saturation both in the steady state and in the transient state. Design and performance details of a prototype 400 Hz, 3000 rev/min., 3-phase machine are also included.