E-Fan X
A giant leap towards zero-emission flight
E-Fan X – New York City
Launched as an innovation project in 2017, E-Fan X is the next step in Airbus’ electrification journey; the flight demonstrator that will test a 2 MW hybrid-electric propulsion system is depicted in a composite image over the city of New York
Read more- High Resolution
- Low Resolution
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.
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.
