10156822SUPERCOOL - SUPERconducting Cooling Optimised for mOtors and LightweightingActiveLegacy Department of Trade & IndustryInnovate UKAviation is under increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions, with regulatory bodies and governments mandating net-zero targets by 2050\. The single-aisle aircraft segment alone accounts for 66% of global aviation emissions, and hydrogen-electric propulsion is emerging as a leading alternative to conventionally fuelled systems. However, a key technological challenge remains: achieving high power density and efficiency in electric propulsion systems. Current motor technologies are either too heavy or lack the required performance for commercial-scale hydrogen-powered aircraft. To unlock the full potential of this market, next-generation superconducting electric propulsion systems are needed. The SUPERCOOL project, led by HyFlux in collaboration with the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), seeks to develop a prototype lightweight cooling system for a superconducting motor tailored for hydrogen-electric powertrains. This initiative will take the technology from TRL2/3 to TRL4/5, providing a critical foundation for future motors in the 3MW and above range, which will power next-generation zero-emission, single-aisle aircraft. At the heart of this innovation is a cryogenic cooling system, designed to operate at ultra-low temperatures (20K) using liquid hydrogen (LH2) as a thermal sink. Key advances include rotor and stator cooling systems, optimised for efficiency and durability, and additively manufactured (AM) heat exchangers, reducing weight while improving performance. Enhancements to the rotor and stator components will push power density beyond conventional limits. By leveraging a worldwide-patented superconducting motor design which HyFlux has licensed from Victoria University of Wellington, the SUPERCOOL project will transition laboratory research into a commercially viable aerospace technology. The project will deliver a fully functional cryogenic stator and rotor, alongside two hydrogen-cooled heat exchangers for integration into high-power electric propulsion systems. Extensive validation testing at IAAPS using liquid hydrogen will validate thermal performance targets. Upon full implementation, this motor will provide 4x the power density of megawatt-scale conventional motors, enabling lighter, more efficient aircraft with significantly reduced emissions. By fostering world-class R&D, manufacturing, and job creation, the SUPERCOOL project is set to make UK aerospace a global frontrunner in sustainable air travel. Beyond aviation, the innovations in superconducting technology and cryogenic cooling will have applications in marine, rail, and renewable energy sectors, reinforcing the UK's position as a leader in net-zero propulsion technologies.