Airbus and Toshiba to partner on superconductivity research
Airbus UpNext, a subsidiary of Airbus, has teamed up with Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions to collaborate on superconducting technologies for future hydrogen-powered aircraft.
The partnership aims to advance research in the use of liquid hydrogen, which not only serves as a fuel but could also help cool the electric propulsion systems, improving overall energy efficiency.
As the aviation industry works towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, hydrogen-powered aircraft are seen as a key solution.
Superconducting technology, which relies on cryogenics, could play a pivotal role in making electric systems more efficient by reducing power losses during transmission, potentially boosting aircraft 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.
