Airbus UpNext and Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation from Toshiba Group's energy division will collaborate and share expertise on superconducting technologies for upcoming hydrogen-fueled aircraft.
Hydrogen-powered aircraft are considered a promising solution in the efforts to make the aviation industry more environmentally friendly by achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Superconducting technologies provide a distinct benefit for these aircraft by utilizing -253°C liquid hydrogen not only as a fuel but also for effectively cooling the electric propulsion systems. The use of cryogenic technology could enable nearly unhindered power transmission within the electric systems of the aircraft, leading to a substantial enhancement in 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.
“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, Toshiba’s Corporate Officer, responsible for Power Systems business and Director of Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation.
The Tokyo agreement was signed during the Japan Aerospace 2024 event by Dr. Grzegorz Ombach, Airbus Senior Vice President and Head of Disruptive R&T, and Tsutomu Takeuchi, Toshiba's Corporate Officer in charge of the Power Systems business and Director of Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation. They were accompanied by Ludovic Ybanez, Airbus Head of Cryoprop demonstrator and Cryogenics technology at Airbus UpNext, and Kensuke Suzuki, Head of New Technology in the Power System Division at Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation.
In the last decade, Airbus has been working on reducing the risks associated with superconducting technologies. Airbus UpNext has introduced Cryoprop, a test platform for a two-megawatt-class superconducting electric propulsion system. Toshiba, with almost fifty years of experience in superconducting technology, unveiled its prototype of a two-megawatt-class superconducting motor for mobility applications in June 2022.
The announcement of the Airbus Tech Hub Japan took place in May 2024 with the aim of fostering collaborations within the country to enhance aerospace research, technology, and innovation, as well as to explore new frontiers in preparation for future aircraft generations. The collaboration between Toshiba and Airbus marks the initial milestone of this ambitious endeavour in Japan.
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