E-Fan X
A giant leap towards decarbonising flight
A novel decarbonisation demonstrator
FIRST OF ITS KIND
E-Fan X is a major milestone on Airbus’ decarbonisation journey. We remain fully committed to our decarbonisation ambitions and continue to explore the disruptive technologies required to achieve them over the next decade.
A complex hybrid-electric flight demonstrator
In 2017, we launched the E-Fan X demonstrator with the ambition to test the technologies that would help decarbonise our skies. In the test aircraft, one of the four jet engines was slated to be replaced by a 2MW electric motor.
Today, we take great pride in knowing this first-of-its-kind demonstrator has been a real game-changer for the aviation industry and a key step-change in our ambition to help decarbonise aviation.
Key learnings on future flight
In less than three years, E-Fan X successfully achieved its three main initial goals:
- Launching and testing the possibilities – and limitations – of a serial hybrid-electric propulsion system in a demonstrator aircraft, the first of its kind in the world,
- Gaining invaluable insights to develop a more focused roadmap on how to progress on our ambitious decarbonisation commitments,
- Laying a foundation for the future industry-wide adoption and regulatory acceptance of alternative-propulsion commercial aircraft.
Airbus and Rolls-Royce made the joint decision to bring the E-Fan X demonstrator to an end in April 2020. We continue to explore new pathways for disruptive CO2 reduction and are leveraging the knowledge gained through E-Fan X to do so.
Technical specifications
ELECTRICAL SUPPLY
3000V DC electrical distribution
DATA TRANSMISSION
Flight Test Instrumentation with telemetry
ENERGY STORAGE
High-power battery pack
ENGINE
One of four jet engines is replaced with an electric motor
GENERATOR
Power generation system
Watch our E-Fan X videos
From E-Fan to E-Fan X
The latest in E-Fan X
In the spotlight
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Stories InnovationElectrifying the Sky
At Airbus we believe hybrid-electric power can reduce aircraft CO2 emissions by up to 5%. That figure could be as high as 10% for helicopters, generally lighter than fixed-wing aircraft… -
Stories InnovationOur decarbonisation journey continues: looking beyond E-Fan X
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Stories InnovationThe E-Fan X puts its aerodynamic design to the test
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Stories InnovationZero-emission flight is taking a giant leap forward
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News InnovationThis new Airbus facility will help zero-emission technologies to take flight
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Airbus NOVA Newsletter
Your go-to source for the latest stories on disruptive technologies and ground-breaking aerospace projects that will transform the way we fly.
