Airbus and STMicroelectronics have signed an agreement to co-operate on power electronics R&D to support more efficient and lighter power electronics for hybrid-powered aircraft and full-electric urban air vehicles. 

Both companies have evaluated wide bandgap semiconductor materials for aircraft electrification including wide bandgap semiconductors like SiC and GaN which have  superior electrical properties compared with traditional semiconductors such as silicon. The wide bandgap semiconductors enable the development of smaller, lighter and more efficient high-performance electronic devices and systems, particularly in applications requiring high power, high frequency, or high-temperature operations.

The co-operation will focus on developing SiC and GaN devices, packages, and modules adapted for Airbus’ aerospace applications. The companies will assess these components by conducting advanced research and tests on demonstrators, such as e-motor control units, high and low voltage power converters, and wireless power transfer systems.

“Leveraging [ST’s] expertise and experience in power electronics for automotive and industrial applications with our own record in aircraft and VTOL electrification will help us accelerate the development of the disruptive technologies required for the ZEROe roadmap and CityAirbus NextGen,” said Sabine Klauke, Airbus CTO.

CityAirbus NextGen is Airbus’ all-electric, four-seater, vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) prototype. The lift and cruise aircraft has a range of 80km and a cruising speed of 120kph (74.5mph).  

Jerome Roux, president, sales & marketing, STMicroelectronics, added: “Cooperating with Airbus, a global leader in this industry, gives us the opportunity to define together new power technologies the industry needs to realise its decarbonisation goals.”

Hybrid-electric propulsion, can improve the energy efficiency of every aircraft class and reduce aircraft CO2 emissions by up to 5% and up to 10% for helicopters, says Airbus. Future hybrid and full electric aircraft require MW of power to operate which will mean “huge improvements” in power electronics in terms of integration, performance, efficiency, and component size and weight.