Airbus UpNext has launched a new technological demonstrator aimed at advancing the development of superconducting technologies for use in the electric propulsion systems of future hydrogen-powered aircraft.
Dubbed Cryoprop, the new demonstrator will integrate and refine a two megawatt-class superconducting electric propulsion system cooled by liquid hydrogen via a helium recirculation loop. The system was 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 at the forefront of developing superconducting technologies for high-power electric propulsion for several years, with a milestone being the successful power-on of an integrated 500 kW cryogenic propulsion system last year.
Cryoprop will validate the potential of superconducting technologies for future aircraft applications, evaluating all aspects related to safety, industrialisation, maintenance and operations. Additionally, this demonstrator will enable Airbus to cultivate high-level, in-house expertise and foster a new ecosystem to expedite the introduction of new products in areas such as superconducting cables, motors, cryogenic power electronics and cryogenic cooling systems.
