Hydrogen-powered aircraft are considered a key solution for achieving net-zero aviation emissions by 2050. Superconducting technologies present an advantage in this context by enabling nearly lossless power transmission, which can significantly improve electric systems' efficiency on board these aircraft.
"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.
Tsutomu Takeuchi, Toshiba's Corporate Officer responsible for the Power Systems business, added, "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."
The partnership will focus on developing a two-megawatt superconducting motor, marking a significant step forward for both companies. The agreement was signed in Tokyo during the Japan Aerospace 2024 event by representatives from both Airbus and Toshiba, including Grzegorz Ombach and Tsutomu Takeuchi.
Airbus has been working for the past decade to mitigate risks associated with superconducting technologies, with the recent launch of its Cryoprop demonstrator aimed at testing a two-megawatt-class superconducting propulsion system. Meanwhile, Toshiba has been pioneering superconducting technology applications for nearly fifty years and introduced its two-megawatt-class superconducting motor prototype in 2022.
The collaboration also represents the first initiative of the Airbus Tech Hub Japan, established in May 2024 to foster research, technology, and innovation in aerospace.
Related Links
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Aerospace News at SpaceMart.com
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