Airbus and Toshiba Energy have announced a collaboration to research and develop superconducting engine technologies applicable to hydrogen-powered aircraft. The two companies will work on a joint project to explore highly efficient superconducting engines, which could change electric propulsion and reduce emissions in commercial flights.
Superconductor research by Airbus and Toshiba Energy
Superconducting engine technologies offer a major advantage for hydrogen aircraft, because this sustainable fuel can optimize propulsion. Companies are therefore looking to make the fuel “function as cooling for electrical systems .” This synergy allows for a lossless flow of energy, increasing the efficiency and power of the engines.
Airbus and Toshiba have said the initial goal of this partnership is to develop a two-megawatt superconducting motor, a breakthrough that could change the design and performance of future aircraft in the coming years.
Over the past ten years, Airbus has made progress in reducing the risks associated with superconducting technologies, including the launch of Cryoprop , a two-megawatt demonstrator for testing superconducting electric propulsion systems. For its part, Toshiba has been researching applications of superconducting technology for almost half a century and, in 2022, launched a two-megawatt superconducting motor prototype focused on mobility, strengthening the foundation of this technological partnership.
Toshiba’s expertise in superconductors and propulsion systems will be integrated with Airbus UpNext ’s vision to develop disruptive technologies in the aerospace sector. Toshiba’s Tsutomu Takeuchi highlighted the potential of this technology to decarbonise aviation, while Airbus’ Grzegorz Ombach stressed that this collaboration will allow the current limits of electric motors to be overcome, bringing the sector closer to the goal of net zero emissions by 2050.
Demonstration of the superconductor prototype. Source: Airbus
The agreement was signed in Tokyo during the Japan Aerospace 2024 trade show, marking the first achievement of the Airbus Tech Hub Japan , a recent initiative by Airbus to strengthen research and development partnerships in the country. The partnership with Toshiba positions both companies as leaders in technological innovation towards cleaner and more sustainable aviation.
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Source and photo: Airbus
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