Airbus and Toshiba Join Forces for Superconducting Technologies in Future Hydrogen-Powered Aircraft
Key Ideas
  • Airbus and Toshiba are collaborating on superconducting technologies for future hydrogen-powered aircraft, aiming to revolutionize both the aviation and mobility industries.
  • The partnership aims to develop a 2MW superconducting motor cooled by liquid hydrogen, building on Airbus' previous work with a 500kW ASCEND powertrain demonstrator.
  • Cooling with liquid hydrogen is crucial for efficient superconducting material operation, leveraging Toshiba's expertise in superconducting technology and Airbus' disruptive research & technology.
  • The initiative also includes the formation of Airbus Tech Hub Japan to explore Japanese technologies for the next generation of aircraft, fostering a circular economy in aviation.
Airbus UpNext, a unit of Airbus, and Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions have announced a collaboration at the Japan Aerospace show in Tokyo to advance superconducting technologies for future hydrogen-powered aircraft. The partnership aims to transcend the limitations of current technologies and conventional electrical motors, with a particular focus on Airbus' upcoming hydrogen-powered aircraft. By leveraging superconducting technologies and cooling electric propulsion systems with liquid hydrogen, the collaboration aims to significantly enhance power transmission efficiency within the aircraft's electric system. Airbus Vice President Grzegorz Ombach expressed optimism about the partnership, emphasizing the potential for breakthrough technologies that could unlock new design possibilities. Both Airbus and Toshiba envision a future where the aviation and mobility industries are revolutionized by the practical application of this technology. The ultimate goal of the collaboration is to develop a 2MW superconducting motor that could be a game-changer in the industry. Toshiba brings extensive experience in superconducting technology, including the production of superconducting magnets and expertise in motor drive and rotating machinery technology. The cooling provided by liquid hydrogen is critical for the efficient operation of superconducting materials. Airbus had previously introduced the ASCEND powertrain demonstrator, and now, with Toshiba's partnership, they are set to advance this technology with the Cryoprop demonstrator featuring a 2MW electric propulsion system. The collaboration also involves the establishment of the Airbus Tech Hub Japan, reflecting Airbus' commitment to exploring Japanese technologies for future aircraft. This initiative marks a significant step towards a circular economy in the aviation sector. Both companies are enthusiastic about the potential for this partnership to drive innovation and sustainability in the aerospace industry.
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