Airbus Unveils Cryoprop Demonstrator for Future Hydrogen-Powered Aircraft
Key Ideas
- Airbus introduces Cryoprop, a superconducting electric propulsion system for hydrogen aircraft, aiming for improved performance, weight, and fuel savings.
- The new demonstrator will assess safety, industrialization, maintenance, and operations of superconducting technologies for future aircraft applications.
- Airbus seeks to develop expertise in areas like superconducting cables, motors, power electronics, and cooling systems to accelerate the introduction of new products.
Airbus has unveiled the Cryoprop demonstrator, designed to integrate and mature a two megawatt-class superconducting electric propulsion system cooled by liquid hydrogen. Developed by Airbus teams in Toulouse, France, and Ottobrunn, Germany, the new system, known as Cryoprop, is set to be a key enabler for the high-power electrification of future hydrogen-powered aircraft. Michael Augello, CEO of Airbus UpNext, expressed confidence that the demonstrator will lead to performance improvements, translating into significant weight and fuel savings potential. Airbus has been working on superconducting technologies for high-power electric propulsion for years, with previous demonstrations showcasing the feasibility of these technologies. The Cryoprop demonstrator aims to confirm the potential of superconducting technologies for future aircraft applications by evaluating various aspects such as safety, industrialization, maintenance, and operations. Furthermore, this initiative will enable Airbus to enhance its in-house expertise and create a new ecosystem to expedite the introduction of innovative products in areas like superconducting cables, motors, cryogenic power electronics, and cooling systems. The focus on Cryoprop underscores Airbus' commitment to advancing hydrogen aviation and sustainable transportation solutions.