More electric aircraft
The replacement of hydraulics or pneumatics by electric systems enables new aircraft architectures reducing carbon footprint.
Advancing sustainability through more electric aircraft solutions
Liebherr is driving the transition to more electric aircraft with innovative systems that replace traditional hydraulic and pneumatic technologies, enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and performance in modern aviation.
Liebherrs small EMA (Electro mechanical actuator)
Electrical actuation
Modular electro-mechanical actuators
Liebherr has long been a leader in the R&D of electro-mechanical actuation technology for medium to large commercial aircraft (EASA CS-25). Liebherr is advancing its expertise for the future by expanding into smaller-sized actuators. This new modular concept transitions from fully customized designs to tailored assemblies of standardized modules.
It targets the growing Advanced Air Mobility sector, as well as smaller (EASA CS-23) aircraft, business jets, and helicopters. Leveraging decades of experience and millions of in-service flight hours from geared actuators and electronics, Liebherr’s family concept ensures reliable and efficient solutions across diverse applications.
Main features and key technology
- Modular, scalable plug-and-play concept
- High-torque density
- Highly reliable gear stage
- High dynamics and positioning accuracy
- Integrated flexible electronic control platform
- Parameter adoptable generic software
- Integrated power-off brake
- Compact design / installation envelope
Universal remote electronic unit
The remote electronic unit perfectly complements Liebherr's small electro-mechanical actuators family, drawing on decades of system integration expertise from flight control development for all major aircraft manufacturers. The remote electronic unit's versatile design enables system and position control, data concentration, monitoring, and signal conversion with high reliability, making it an ideal solution for various actuation system architectures and applications.
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Decentralized hydraulics
Liebherr develops highly efficient solutions for decentralized hydraulic power generation, offering aircraft manufacturers greater flexibility by placing hydraulic power packs close to consumers. This approach eliminates the need for long pipe sections between power generation and end-use points.
Three types of power packs are available:
- a high-power pack for main landing gear retraction/extension
- a mid-sized pack for primary flight control systems in the tail section
- an electro-hydrostatic pack specifically designed for nose landing gear
Operating entirely on electric power, these systems contribute significantly to the electrification of future aircraft, supporting more sustainable and efficient designs.
Electrical motor pump: the core of hydraulic power packs
A fluid-cooled permanent magnet synchronous motor delivers exceptional power density, meeting the rigorous demands of high-performance aerospace applications. The system incorporates a hybrid pressure control algorithm to maximize efficiency and reliability, with state-dependent operating modes enabling adaptive performance tailored to specific missions.Continuous health monitoring further enhances reliability, supports predictive maintenance, and minimizes unplanned downtime, ensuring optimal performance during aircraft operations.
Energy-efficient electrical environmental control system (eECS)
Energy-efficient electrical environmental control system (eECS)
Air-conditioning is a major energy consumer on aircraft, reducing engine thrust by 5-8% due to bleed air use. To address this, Liebherr and Airbus, as part of the Clean Sky 2 initiative, are developing a more energy-efficient electrical environmental control system (eECS) for more electric aircraft. The eECS eliminates the need for engine bleed air, instead utilizing ambient air from outside the aircraft.
This increases thrust availability, particularly during takeoff and climb, while reducing fuel consumption and CO₂/NOx emissions. The system pressurizes and conditions the air to ensure passenger and crew comfort. In collaboration with 12 European partners, Liebherr and Airbus built a high-level demonstrator. By the end of 2023, key eECS technologies reached Technical Readiness Level (TRL) 5, following successful bench and virtual testing.
Under the Clean Aviation program, the eECS will evolve into an integrated thermal management concept, addressing the cooling needs of hybrid-powered aircraft.
