TsAGI explore superconductivity for aircraft engines
18 September 2018
Specialists of the Zhukovsky Central AeroHydrodynamic Institute (TsAGI) are studying the possibility of applying technologies based on high-temperature superconductors (HTS) in electric and hybrid propulsion for promising aircraft.
The Institute is working to develop new concepts of short take-off and landing aircraft, as well as convertible aircraft (taking off and landing on the principle of a helicopter and flying in cruise mode similar to an aircraft.)
The main advantage of superconducting electric motors and generators is the possibility to increase power density from the current 5 to
Scientists compared several circuits of power plants with similar engines and chose the most effective ones. The Moscow Aviation Institute is TsAGI’s partner on the project.
Under the same project, TsAGI and MAI specialists reviewed the concept of a slow speed superconducting electric motor on the main rotor of a helicopter or convertible aircraft and developed a concept of such an aircraft with a hybrid system and superconducting electric motor.