Friday, May 24, 2024 Airbus UpNext, a subsidiary entirely owned by Airbus, has initiated a new technology demonstrator named Cryoprop to advance superconducting technologies for electric propulsion systems in future hydrogen-powered aircraft. The Cryoprop demonstrator will feature a two megawatt-class superconducting electric propulsion system, cooled by liquid hydrogen and a helium recirculation loop. This system is being developed by Airbus teams located 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. For several years, Airbus has been pioneering the development of superconducting technologies for high-power electric propulsion, achieving a milestone with the activation of an integrated 500 kW cryogenic propulsion system last year.
The Cryoprop demonstrator will evaluate the viability of superconducting technologies for future aviation uses, focusing on safety, industrialization, maintenance, and operational aspects. This project will also enable Airbus to cultivate advanced in-house expertise and create a new ecosystem to hasten the introduction of innovations in areas like superconducting cables, mo.