Airbus UpNext, a wholly owned subsidiary of Airbus, has launched a new technology demonstrator to accelerate the maturation of superconducting technologies for use in the electric propulsion systems of future hydrogen-powered aircraft.
Known as Cryoprop, the new demonstrator will integrate and mature a two-megawatt-class superconducting electric propulsion system, cooled by liquid hydrogen through a helium recirculation circuit and developed by Airbus teams in Toulouse, , and Ottobrunn, .
“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 the new demonstrator will lead to propulsion system performance improvements, translating into significant weight and fuel savings potential,” said Michael Augello, CEO of Airbus UpNext.
Airbus has been developing superconducting technologies for high-power electric propulsion for several years, culminating in the activation of a 500 kW integrated cryogenic propulsion system last year.
Cryoprop will confirm the potential of superconducting technologies for future aircraft applications, evaluating all aspects related to safety, industrialization, maintenance and operations. This demonstrator will also give Airbus the opportunity to develop high-level internal expertise and foster a new ecosystem to accelerate the introduction of new products in areas such as superconducting cables, engines, cryogenic power electronics and cryogenic cooling systems.
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