The three companies jointly announced this groundbreaking collaboration at the Royal Aeronautical Society in London, bringing together some of the world's leading experts in electric and propulsion technologies.
The E-Fan X hybrid technology demonstrator is expected to fly in 2020 following an extensive ground testing campaign, initially on a BAe 146 flight testbed, with one of the aircraft's four gas turbines replaced by a two-megawatt electric motor. Steps will be taken to replace a second gas turbine with an electric motor once the system's maturity and efficiency have been demonstrated.
“The E-Fan X is the next important step in our goal of making electric flight a reality in the foreseeable future. The lessons we have learned from a long history of electric flight demonstrators, starting with the Cri-Cri, including the e-Genius, E-Star, and culminating recently with the E-Fan 1.2, as well as the fruits of the collaboration between E-Aircraft Systems House and Siemens, will pave the way for a safe, efficient, and cost-effective single-aisle hybrid commercial airliner,” said Paul Eremenko. “We see hybrid electric propulsion as a compelling technology for the future of aviation.”
The E-Fan X hybrid technology demonstrator will explore the challenges of high-power propulsion systems, such as thermal effects, electric thrust management, altitude and dynamic effects on electric systems, and electromagnetic compatibility issues. The goal is to accelerate and mature the technology, performance, safety, and reliability to enable rapid progress in hybrid electric technology. The program also aims to establish requirements for the future certification of electrically powered aircraft, while training a new generation of designers and engineers to bring a hybrid-electric commercial aircraft one step closer to reality.
As part of the E-Fan X hybrid technology demonstrator, Airbus, Rolls-Royce, and Siemens will each contribute their extensive expertise in their respective fields:
Airbus will be responsible for the full integration and control architecture of the hybrid-electric propulsion system and batteries, and their integration with the flight controls.
Rolls-Royce will be responsible for the turboshaft engine, the two-megawatt generator, and the power electronics. Along with Airbus, Rolls-Royce will also work on adapting the fan to the existing pod and the Siemens electric motor.
Siemens will provide the two megawatt electric motors and their power electronic control unit, as well as the inverter, DC/DC converter, and power distribution system. This builds on the E-Aircraft Systems House collaboration between Airbus and Siemens, launched in 2016, which aims to develop and mature various components of the electric propulsion system and demonstrate them on the ground in several power classes.
Paul Stein, Rolls-Royce Chief Technology Officer, said: “The E-Fan X hybrid technology demonstrator allows us to leverage our extensive electric expertise to revolutionize flight and usher in the third generation of aviation. This is an exciting time for us because of a technological breakthrough like this that will enable Rolls-Royce to create the world’s most powerful flight generator.
” “Siemens has been driving innovation into core technology fields at full speed,” said Roland Busch, Siemens Chief Technology Officer. “In April 2016, we opened a new chapter in electric mobility with our collaboration with Airbus. By developing electric propulsion for aircraft, we are creating new prospects for our company, our customers, and society.” With the E-Fan X partnership, we are now taking the next step to demonstrate the technology in the air.
Among the main challenges for the current aeronautical sector is the transition to a mode of transport that is more environmentally friendly and less dependent on fossil fuels. The partners are committed to meeting the European Commission's Flightpath 2050 Vision for Aviation technical environmental targets (this entails a 60% reduction in CO2, a 90% reduction in NOx, and a 75% reduction in noise). However, these targets cannot be achieved with existing technologies. Therefore, Airbus, Rolls-Royce, and Siemens are investing in and focusing their research efforts on different technological areas, including electrification. Electric and hybrid-electric propulsion are currently considered among the most promising technologies for addressing these challenges.

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