Airbus advances superconductivity research for hydrogen aircraft

Airbus UpNext, a subsidiary of Airbus, has initiated a new technological demonstrator to advance superconducting technologies for electric propulsion in future hydrogen-powered aircraft. Named Cryoprop, the demonstrator will develop a two megawatt-class superconducting electric propulsion system cooled by liquid hydrogen through a helium recirculation loop. This system is being developed by Airbus teams in Toulouse, France, and Ottobrunn, Germany.

"Our previous demonstrators have shown that superconducting technologies would be a key enabler for the high-power electrification of future hydrogen-powered aircraft. I truly believe that the new demonstrator will lead to performance improvements of the propulsion system, translating into significant weight and fuel saving potential," said Michael Augello, CEO Airbus UpNext.

Airbus has been advancing superconducting technologies for high-power electric propulsion for several years, achieving a milestone last year with the power-on of an integrated 500 kW cryogenic propulsion system.

Cryoprop will validate the potential of superconducting technologies for aircraft applications, evaluating safety, industrialisation, maintenance, and operations. This project will also allow Airbus to develop in-house expertise and foster a new ecosystem to accelerate the introduction of superconducting cables, motors, cryogenic power electronics, and cryogenic cooling systems.