Airbus UpNext and Toshiba to collaborate on tech for hydrogen-powered aircraft
TOKYO - Airbus UpNext, a subsidiary of Airbus in Toulouse, France, and Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation, the energy division of Toshiba Group in Tokyo, have announced a collaboration to advance superconducting technologies for hydrogen-powered aircraft.
The two companies plan to develop a two-megawatt superconducting motor as part of this effort. Superconducting technology could provide a key advantage by utilizing -253°C liquid hydrogen not only as fuel but also as a cooling agent for electric propulsion systems. This cryogenic approach may allow efficient power transmission across the aircraft's electrical systems, which could lead to enhanced energy efficiency and performance.
“Partnering with Toshiba presents a unique opportunity to push beyond the limitations of today’s partial superconducting and conventional electrical motors. Through this collaboration, we aim to deliver a breakthrough technology that could unlock new design possibilities, in particular for Airbus' future hydrogen-powered aircraft. This partnership represents a natural and essential step in advancing superconducting motor technology to meet the needs of the aerospace industry,” said Grzegorz Ombach, Airbus Senior Vice President and Head of Disruptive R&T.
Related: Airbus to trial in-flight auxiliary power entirely generated by hydrogen
“Toshiba’s expertise in superconducting technology for high current flow, motor drive technology for precise current control, and advanced rotating machinery technology for stable, high-speed operation, forms a strong foundation for this partnership. We both recognize the tremendous potential of superconducting technologies in shaping the future of aircraft and driving the decarbonization of the aviation industry. We are confident that our collaboration with Airbus will play a key role in advancing next-generation technologies for the aerospace sector,” said Tsutomu Takeuchi, Corporate Officer and Power Systems Director at Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation.
The agreement was signed during Japan Aerospace 2024 in Tokyo by Dr. Grzegorz Ombach and Tsutomu Takeuchi, with additional representatives from both companies, including Ludovic Ybanez, Head of Cryoprop demonstrator and Cryogenics technology at Airbus UpNext, and Kensuke Suzuki, Head of New Technology, Power System Division, Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation.
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