To get electric passenger planes in the skies requires powerful electric motors, but they must also be small and light. Some kiwi scientists think they could have a solution. Claire Concannon heads to a warehouse in Petone to learn about the promise of high temperature superconducting magnets to make electric motors for airplanes.
*Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more.*
**In this episode:**
**01:00** Electric planes and the challenge of aviation electrification.
**02:48** The history of the Robinson Research Institute and useful properties of superconductors.
**07:00** The establishment of the New Zealand Institute of Advanced Technology
**08:30** The advantage of superconducting motors for aviation.
**11:15** Airbus’ plans for a future electric plane
**12:05** Warehouse tour and levitation bearings for future motors
**14:04** Basic motor design and characterising AC losses in superconductors.
**21:26** Testing a superconducting generator with Air New Zealand…
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
