Airbus subsidiary Airbus UpNext and Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation have announced a collaboration to share expertise in superconductive technology for future hydrogen-powered aircraft. As the aviation industry aims for net-zero emissions by 2050, hydrogen-powered planes represent a promising avenue. Superconductive technology offers distinct advantages by using liquid hydrogen at -253°C as fuel, effectively cooling the electric propulsion system. This cryogenic approach enhances energy efficiency and performance by minimizing power transmission losses within the aircraft's electrical systems.
Grzegorz Ombach, Senior Vice President and Head of Disruptive R&D at Airbus, highlighted that partnering with Toshiba provides an opportunity to surpass current limitations of partial superconductivity and conventional motors. The collaboration aims to unlock groundbreaking technology, enabling new design possibilities for Airbus's future hydrogen aircraft. This partnership is seen as a crucial step in advancing superconductive motor technology to meet aerospace demands.
Toshiba's expertise in high-current superconductivity, precise motor control, and advanced rotating machinery lays a strong foundation for this collaboration. Both companies recognize the significant potential of superconductive technology to shape future aircraft and advance the aviation industry's decarbonization efforts. The partnership is expected to play a key role in advancing next-generation aerospace technologies.
The partners intend to develop a two-megawatt superconductive motor, with the agreement being signed at the 2024 Japan Aerospace Exhibition in Tokyo. The signing ceremony included participation from key figures of both Airbus and Toshiba. Over the past decade, Airbus has been mitigating risks associated with superconductive technology and recently launched Cryoprop, a demonstrator aimed at testing a two-megawatt superconductive electric propulsion system. Concurrently, Toshiba has been developing superconductive technology applications for nearly fifty years, unveiling its own two-megawatt superconductive motor prototype for mobile applications in June 2022.
In May 2024, the Airbus Japan Technology Center was announced to foster partnerships and innovation in aerospace research and technology within the country. The cooperation between Toshiba and Airbus marks the first outcome of this initiative, setting a foundation for future advancements in aircraft design.
