Airbus UpNext has introduced Cryoprop to boost the development and integration of superconducting technologies to mature a two-megawatt-class electric propulsion system to be cooled by liquid hydrogen via a helium recirculation loop.
Airbus UpNext, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Airbus, has launched a technological demonstrator named Cryoprop to accelerate the development and integration of superconducting technologies in electric propulsion systems for future hydrogen-powered aircraft. This initiative represents a significant step forward in Airbus’s commitment to sustainable aviation and cutting-edge technological advancements.
Cryoprop aims to mature a two-megawatt-class superconducting electric propulsion system that will be cooled by liquid hydrogen via a helium recirculation loop. This advanced system is being developed by Airbus teams located in Toulouse, France, and Ottobrunn, Germany. The integration of superconducting technologies is expected to bring substantial benefits to the electric propulsion systems, particularly in terms of efficiency, weight reduction, and fuel savings.
Michael Augello, CEO, Airbus UpNext said, “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.”
Airbus has been at the forefront of developing superconducting technologies for several years. In 2023, the company achieved a significant milestone with the power-on of an integrated 500 kW cryogenic propulsion system. Cryoprop builds on this foundation and aims to confirm the potential of superconducting technologies for future aircraft applications. The demonstrator will assess all aspects related to safety, industrialization, maintenance, and operations, ensuring that these advanced technologies can be reliably and efficiently implemented in future aircraft designs.
In addition to its technical objectives, Cryoprop will enable Airbus to develop high-level, in-house expertise and foster a new ecosystem of partners and suppliers. This collaborative effort will accelerate the introduction of new products and technologies in areas such as superconducting cables, motors, cryogenic power electronics, and cryogenic cooling systems. By investing in these cutting-edge technologies, Airbus aims to position itself as a leader in the next generation of sustainable aviation solutions.
The successful development of superconducting electric propulsion systems could revolutionize the aviation industry by significantly reducing the weight and improving the efficiency of aircraft. This, in turn, would lead to lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions, contributing to the broader goals of the aviation industry to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The use of liquid hydrogen as a cooling agent also aligns with Airbus’s vision of a hydrogen-powered future, offering a clean and sustainable alternative to conventional fossil fuels.
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Cryoprop represents a significant milestone in Airbus’s journey toward sustainable aviation and showcases the company’s commitment to pioneering innovative technologies. By leveraging the potential of superconducting technologies, Airbus UpNext is set to pave the way for a new era of efficient, eco-friendly aviation, making significant strides toward a greener future for the industry.
