Airbus UpNext, a subsidiary of Airbus, and Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation, Toshiba Group’s energy division, announced a partnership. The collaboration aims to research and develop superconducting technologies for future hydrogen-powered aircraft, a significant move towards decarbonizing the aviation industry.

Testing Toshiba’s Superconductivity Technology in Aerospace Applications

The partnership will leverage Toshiba’s expertise in superconducting technology, motor drive technology, and advanced rotating machinery. The goal is to develop a two-megawatt superconducting motor for aerospace applications. The partners will conduct feasibility studies to co-develop this motor. This could unlock new design possibilities for Airbus’ future hydrogen-powered aircraft.

Superconductivity: A Key Enabler for Hydrogen-Powered Aircraft

Hydrogen-powered aircraft are seen as one of the most promising solutions to achieve net-zero emissions in aviation by 2050. Superconducting technologies offer unique advantages for these aircraft:

  • Efficient cooling: Liquid hydrogen fuel, stored at -253°C, can efficiently cool the electric propulsion systems.
  • Improved power transmission: Cryogenic technology could allow for nearly unimpaired power transmission within the aircraft’s electrical systems.
  • Enhanced performance: Integrating superconducting technologies can significantly improve the energy efficiency and performance of hydrogen-powered aircraft.

By leveraging these advantages, superconductivity can play a crucial role in enabling environmentally friendly, high-performance aircraft development.

Industry Leaders’ Perspectives on the Partnership

Grzegorz Ombach, Airbus Senior Vice President and Head of Disruptive R&T, emphasized the collaboration’s potential. He stated, “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.”

Tsutomu Takeuchi, Toshiba’s Corporate Officer responsible for Power Systems business and Director of Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation, expressed confidence in the partnership. He said, “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.”

Read More: easyJet and JetZero Partner to Develop Hydrogen-Powered Aircraft

A Milestone for Airbus Tech Hub Japan

The Toshiba and Airbus partnership is the first achievement of the recently announced Airbus Tech Hub Japan initiative. This initiative aims to develop partnerships in the country to advance research, technology, and innovation in aerospace. This collaboration marks a significant step towards preparing for the next generation of aircraft.

Read More: easyJet and JetZero Partner to Develop Hydrogen-Powered Aircraft

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