Collaborating for the Future: Airbus and Toshiba Revolutionize Aerospace with Superconducting Technologies
Key Ideas
  • Airbus UpNext and Toshiba are partnering to develop superconducting technologies for future hydrogen-powered aircraft, aiming to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
  • Superconducting technologies offer advantages in cooling electric propulsion systems with liquid hydrogen fuel, enhancing energy efficiency and performance.
  • The collaboration plans to co-develop a two-megawatt superconducting motor, marking a significant advancement in aerospace technology.
  • This partnership is the first achievement of the Airbus Tech Hub Japan initiative, aiming to drive research, technology, and innovation in the aerospace sector.
Airbus UpNext, a subsidiary of Airbus, and Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation have joined forces to explore superconducting technologies for future hydrogen-powered aircraft. This collaboration aims to combat emissions in the aviation industry and boost energy efficiency by utilizing liquid hydrogen as fuel and enhancing electric propulsion systems with cryogenic technology. Both companies expressed optimism about the potential of superconducting technologies to revolutionize aircraft design and contribute to decarbonization. The agreement includes the co-development of a two-megawatt superconducting motor, a significant milestone in advancing aerospace technology. Airbus has previously derisked superconducting technologies with the Cryoprop demonstrator, while Toshiba brings decades of expertise in superconductivity. The partnership was formalized in Tokyo during the Japan Aerospace 2024 event, highlighting the commitment to innovation in Japan. Overall, this collaboration represents a positive step towards developing next-generation technologies in the aerospace industry.
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