Electric motor control strategies

An electric start system (20) includes a controller (40) that controls operation of a motor (22) used to start a device such as a gas turbine engine (24). In one example, the controller (40) determines when an acceleration rate of the motor (22) is outside of a desired range and dynamically controls the acceleration rate. In another example, the controller (40) determines when the motor (22) is disengaged from the engine (24) and controls a torque reference value to facilitate smoother reengagement. In another example, the controller (40) provides an initial starting torque value that allows for soft starting capabilities of the motor (22).