Nidec-Leroy Somer, the subsidiary of the Japanese group Nidec, has announced that it has been selected to develop electric motors for Airbus’ hydrogen-powered aircraft.

Leroy-Somer’s know-how – which encompasses automotive, rail, maritime, robotics and even nuclear sectors – will therefore be extended to the aeronautical industry. At this stage, the aim is to develop prototype electric motors from the Angoulême site. These motors, that are to be powered by fuel cells, will first be bench tested on the ground, before being used in flight.

The engines will have to meet high standards in terms of safety, reliability and weight. Nidec will also study breakthrough solutions to optimise the propulsion of the aircraft, which is planned for 2035.

Jean-Michel Condamin, who is in charge of the industrial motors division, highlights “the very high efficiency of the group’s electric motors and the quality of innovation of the R&D teams.” He speaks of a “major step towards sustainable mobility.”

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Article written by Laurent Meillaud and translated by Logan King