This paper proposes a new double-sided (DS) flux reversal arc permanent magnet (PM) machine (DS-FRAPMM), which could be applied on large-diameter telescope drive. The proposed DS-FRAPMM incorporates the merits of the APMM, the stator-PM machine, and the DS machine. The machine topology and operation principle of the DS-FRAPMM are first proposed. Then, different slot/rotor pole combinations and main structural parameters of the proposed machine are investigated and optimized for maximizing the torque and minimizing the torque ripple based on the response surface method. Finally, finite-element analysis (FEA) is used to comprehensively analyze and compare the electromagnetic performance of the proposed DS-FRAPMM, single-sided FRAPMM (SS-FRAPMM), DS surface-mounted PMs APMM (DS-SPMAPMM), and DS flux-switching APMM (DS-FSAPMM). Compared with DS-SPMAPMM, DS-FRAPMM has lower PM usage and higher torque in per unit PM usage, while compared with SS-FRAPMM, DS-FRAPMM shows higher flux linkage and higher output torque. In addition, compared with DS-FSAPMM, DS-FRAPMM has a lower torque ripple with a slightly lower output torque, which is suitable for large telescope drive.