Propulsion systems
Designing and testing the propulsion systems of the future
Designing the future of aerospace propulsion
FLYING FORWARD
Airbus is committed to pioneering the future of aviation by developing cutting-edge propulsion technologies that will power the next generation of aircraft. With a focus on sustainability, efficiency, and innovation, we are exploring a range of transformative engine options to reduce the environmental impact of air travel. These include open fan, hydrogen, electric and hybrid-electric propulsion systems, all of which hold the potential to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions compared to current propulsion technology.
Airplane engines are critical to safety, operational and economic performance, and environmental efficiency. Airbus works closely with engine manufacturers to find ways to improve all of these metrics. We also work closely with key stakeholders, including governments, industry partners, and research institutions, to accelerate the development of innovative propulsion technologies.
The open fan revolution
Airbus is working with propulsion experts CFM on the Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines (RISE) open fan engine demonstrator. Open fan technology is promising because it drastically improves fuel economy without sacrificing the cruise speed of a turbofan. The RISE engine will be flight tested on an Airbus A380 test platform by the end of the decade, and this EU-funded OFELIA project aims to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 20% compared to today’s narrow-body engines.
SWITCH: collaborating on novel engine design
SWITCH (Sustainable Water Injecting Turbofan Comprising Hybrid-Electrics) aims to demonstrate the potential of hybrid-electric and heat-recovery turbofan technologies to improve fuel efficiency by 25% and reduce carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide emissions. Part of the European Union's Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking, the project is being led by MTU Aero Engines AG with the support of Airbus, Pratt & Whitney, Collins Aerospace and GKN Aerospace.
New energy sources for propulsion systems
Hydrogen fuel cells
Hydrogen fuel cells feature high energy density and thus are a promising propulsion source for a fully electric propulsion system.
Hybrid-electric propulsion
Hybrid-electric propulsion uses batteries or fuel cells to provide some of the energy needs of an aircraft, optimising energy efficiency and reducing fuel consumption.
Sustainable aviation fuels
While all Airbus aircraft can currently operate with a 50%-SAF fuel blend, our next generation of single-aisle aircraft will have 100%-SAF compatible engines.
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Hybrid and electric flight
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Airbus NOVA Newsletter
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