An aircraft starting and generating system includes a first starter/main machine assembly that includes a first exciter and a first main machine, and second starter/main machine assembly that includes a second exciter and a second main machine. The system also includes a permanent magnet generator (PMG) that is connected to the first and second starter/main machine assemblies. The system further includes a first inverter/converter/controller (ICC) that is connected to the first starter/main machine assembly and to the PMG, and a second ICC that is connected to the second starter/main machine assembly and to the PMG. The first and second ICCs generate AC power to respective drive the first and second starter/main machine assemblies in a start mode of the starting and generating system for starting a prime mover of the aircraft, and the first and second ICCs convert AC power, respectively obtained from the PMG after the prime mover has been started, to DC power in a generate mode of the starting and generating system.