That’s the Spirit! R-R close to creating world’s fastest all-electric plane
has announced it has made progress towards creating the world’s fastest all-electric plane.
The aerospace company has successfully completed the taxiing of its Spirit of Innovation aircraft, marking the latest milestone on its journey towards the record-breaking achievement.
For the first time the plane powered along a runway propelled by its electric powertrain and the latest energy storage technology developed to set world speed records.
Rolls-Royce said this means the aircraft passed a critical test of its propulsion system, making major steps towards actual flight testing.
The first flight is planned for the spring, when the firm hopes the combination of its 400kw electrical powertrain and advanced battery system will power the aircraft to more than 300mph, setting a new world speed record for electric flight.
Rob Watson, director of RollsRoyce Electrical, said: “Electrification of flight is an important part of our sustainability strategy as we aim for net zero carbon by 2050.
“Taxiing of the Spirit of Innovation is an incredible milestone for the ACCEL team as we progress to first flight and the world record attempt later this year.
“For the first time, the plane propelled itself forward using the power from an advanced battery and propulsion system that is groundbreaking in terms of electrical technology.”
This progress has been delivered by the Accelerating the Electrification of Flight programme (ACCEL), which includes partners YASA, an electric motor and controller manuROLLS-ROYCE facturer, and aviation start-up Electroflight.
Half of the project’s funding is provided by the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI), in partnership with the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy and Innovate UK.
Rolls-Royce said the ACCEL team have continued to work on its innovative programme while following the Government’s social distancing and other health guidelines.
It will aim to use the technology from the project to create a new portfolio of motors, power electronics and batteries for the general aerospace, urban air mobility and small commuter aircraft sectors as part of its electrification strategy.