Airbus and Toshiba collaborate

Both enterprises have announced that they will jointly conduct a feasibility study aimed at co-developing a two-megawatt superconducting motor for future hydrogen-powered aircraft. Contractual partners are Airbus UpNext, a fully-owned subsidiary of the European aircraft manufacturer, and Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation, Toshiba Group’s energy arm.

Airbus and Toshiba will jointly develop a superconducting propulsion system cooled by liquid hydrogen via a helium recirculation loop. Displayed here is a sample – picture: Airbus

Airbus’ ambition is to bring the world’s first hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft to market by 2035. To get there, its engineers and experts engaged in the manufacturer’s ZEROe project, are currently exploring a variety of configurations and technologies, as well as paving the way for the ecosystem that will produce and supply the hydrogen. H2-powered aircraft are one of the promising solutions to achieving net zero emissions in aviation.

Technological quantum leap expected
Superconducting technologies offer a unique advantage for these aircraft, using -253°C liquid hydrogen both as a fuel as well as an efficient cooling method for the aircraft’s electric propulsion systems. Cryogenic technology could allow for a nearly unimpaired power transmission within the electric systems of the aircraft, significantly improving their 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 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, while presenting the plan.

Tremendous potential
The accord was inked in Tokyo, on the occasion of Japan Aerospace 2024, by Airbus executive, Ombach, and Tsutomu Takeuchi, Toshiba’s Corporate Officer (responsible for Power Systems business), and Director of Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation. They were joined by Ludovic Ybanez, Airbus Head of Cryoprop demonstrator and Cryogenics technology, Airbus UpNext, and Kensuke Suzuki, Head of New Technology, Power System Division, Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation.

l > r: Ludovic Ybanez, Head of Cryoprop demonstrator and Cryogenics technology, Airbus UpNext / Grzegorz Ombach, Airbus SVP & Head of Disruptive R&T / Tsutomu Takeuchi, Director Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corp. / Kensuke Suzuki, Head of New Technology, Power System Division, Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corp. – courtesy: Airbus/Toshiba

“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,” stated Toshiba’s Mr. Takeuchi.

Pushing boundaries
Only recently, Airbus UpNext launched Cryoprop, a demonstrator to test a two megawatt-class superconducting electric propulsion system. Toshiba has been conducting research and development of superconducting technology applications for nearly half a century, and released its own two megawatt-class superconductivity motor prototype for mobility applications in JUN22. Thanks to these initiatives and the experience gained, both companies are global leaders in this specific and futuristic technology. Their partnership aims to advance research, technology and innovation in aerospace and push boundaries to prepare for the next generation of aircraft. The precursor to this was Airbus’ move in MAY24 to establish a tech hub in Japan, where future drive systems based on H2 are to be developed in collaboration with industrial partners.

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