Development of Innovative Aircraft Propulsion Systems

NEDO will conduct pioneering research and development to apply superconductor technology to next-generation aircraft. This technology is key to enabling the electrification of aircraft propulsion.

Japan’s conventional aircraft industry is based mainly on the development of large aircraft through international cooperation. At the same time, the electrification of aircraft propulsion is one of several viable options for achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, but its application in large aircraft is considered difficult due to weight and power requirements. Against this background, this project will research and develop superconducting systems (including equipment such as generators, inverters, cables, and motors) that can achieve high efficiency and power and then conduct demonstration tests in the hopes of achieving aircraft type certification. This project will also seek their application in next-generation small- and medium-sized aircraft, looking toward practical application in the near future.

Technological  development of a 2 MW-class system

A 2 MW-class superconducting system will be built by developing and combining a lightweight superconducting generator, an AC motor made entirely of superconductor components, a lightweight cooling system, and more that can be mounted on an aircraft. The system will then be tested on the ground.

Technological development to upgrade system components

In order to realize a superconducting system with an increased power output of 20 MW, which is required for the propulsion of a wide-body aircraft, NEDO will conduct a development and specification study of component technologies so that the interim results can be used for flight tests of next-generation small- and medium-sized aircraft.

Formulation of a plan for future practical application

In order to achieve certification and standardization related to safety and performance in preparation for future installation of superconducting systems in aircraft, NEDO will study trends in the standardization of fully-electric aircraft, while it will also identify related issues and challenges so that appropriate superconductor specifications will be reflected in international standards. In addition, the demand for superconductor technologies in applications other than aircraft will be studied, and technological issues will be identified to develop a plan to address them.