Airbus & Toshiba's Innovative Approach to Hydrogen-Powered Aircraft
Key Ideas
  • Airbus and Toshiba are collaborating on a unique approach using liquid hydrogen and superconducting technology to power aircraft, aiming to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
  • The partnership focuses on developing a two-megawatt superconducting prototype that could significantly improve energy efficiency and performance of future hydrogen-powered aircraft.
  • Both companies bring expertise to the table, with Airbus investing in de-risking superconducting technologies and Toshiba having decades of experience in superconducting technology applications.
  • The collaboration represents a major step towards decarbonizing the aviation industry and shaping the future of aircraft technology for sustainability.
Reducing carbon emissions from commercial aircraft is a top concern within the airline industry, with jet engines alone responsible for about 2.5% of global emissions. Airbus and Toshiba have come together to explore sustainable aviation fuel alternatives, focusing on hydrogen-powered aircraft. Their innovative approach involves cooling hydrogen to -253°C, turning it into a liquid that can be used to power propellers. This cold liquid hydrogen also acts as an efficient cooling agent for electric propulsion systems, enhancing energy efficiency and performance of the aircraft. The use of superconducting technology allows for nearly resistance-free power transmission within the electric systems, further optimizing energy efficiency. Airbus and Toshiba plan to co-develop a two-megawatt superconducting prototype, aiming to revolutionize the aerospace industry's approach to decarbonization. Airbus' past efforts in de-risking superconducting technologies, coupled with Toshiba's extensive experience in superconducting technology applications spanning over half a century, make this partnership promising. Their collaboration signifies a major milestone in advancing next-generation aircraft technologies for sustainable air transportation. As part of their commitment to innovation, Airbus launched the Airbus Tech Hub Japan in May 2024 to foster research and development partnerships in the country. The partnership with Toshiba marks the first such collaboration in Japan, indicating a significant stride towards a greener future in aviation. This bold move by Airbus and Toshiba showcases their dedication to reshaping air transportation for a more sustainable tomorrow.
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