Airbus and Toshiba team up to develop superconducting tech for hydrogen-powered aircraft

Airbus UpNext - a subsidiary of Airbus - has partnered with Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation to develop superconducting tech for future hydrogen-powered aircraft. The primary motive of this collaboration is to boost the efficiency of electric propulsion systems, using hydrogen as both a fuel source and a cooling agent, which is expected to move the aviation industry closer to decarbonization and net-zero emissions by the year 2050.

Superconducting technology, which allows electricity to flow with almost no resistance, will have numerous advantages, especially when it comes to hydrogen-powered aircraft. Liquid hydrogen, if cooled to -253°C, can fuel the aircraft AND enable nearly perfect power transmission in electric systems at the same time - further leading to way better overall performance.

Grzegorz Ombach, Senior Vice President at Airbus, stated that partnering with Toshiba presents an opportunity to push beyond the limits of current electric motors, unlocking new possibilities for aircraft design. The main focus of this partnership will be on co-developing a two-megawatt superconducting motor, which could be a huge breakthrough for hydrogen-powered aviation.

Together, the companies could deliver practical, innovative solutions that could potentially decarbonize aviation. The partnership between the two was solidified at Japan Aerospace in 2024.