Flying taxis plan not pie in the sky
ROLLS-ROYCE UNVEILS A FUTURISTIC TRANSPORT SOLUTION
ROLLS-ROYCE is to unveil plans for an electric-powered “flying taxi” that could transport people hundreds of miles at speeds of up to 250mph.
The engineering giant, which has its civil aerospace and defence divisions in Derby, has drawn up plans for an electric aircraft that would be capable of vertical take-off and landing.
The firm said it has designed a propulsion system for the aircraft, which is known as the EVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing), and would be capable of carrying four to five people and with a range of around 500 miles. The EVTOL could take to the skies as soon as the next decade.
Rolls-Royce said the initial concept for EVTOL used gas turbine technology to generate electricity to power six electric propulsors, specially-designed to have a low noise profile.
Its wings would be able to rotate 90 degrees, enabling it to take off or land vertically. It could also use existing heliports and airports.
And, according to Rolls-Royce, the EVTOL could be adapted for other uses, including public transport, logistics and military applications.
More details about EVTOL are expected to be disclosed at the Farnborough International Airshow this week, where Rolls-Royce is exhibiting.
It is now looking for partners to come on board with the project, including an airframe manufacturer.
Rob Watson, who heads RollsRoyce’s electrical team, said: “Electrification is an exciting and inescapable trend across industrial technology markets and, while the move to more electric propulsion will be gradual for us, it will ultimately be a revolution. Building on
Rolls-Royce electric capable of and aircraft take-off our existing expertise in electric technologies and aviation, RollsRoyce is actively exploring a range of possible markets and applications for electric and hybrid electric flight.
“We are well placed to play a leading role in the emerging world of personal air mobility and will also look to work in collaboration with a range of partners.
“Rolls-Royce has a strong track record as pioneers in aviation,” he added.
“From developing the first turboprop and jet engines, to creating the world’s most efficient large civil aero engine and vertical take-off and landing solutions, we have a very strong pedigree.
“As the third generation of aviation begins to dawn, it’s time to be pioneers yet again.”
Rolls-Royce is not the only company working on flying vehicles. Airbus, Uber and a range of start-ups have all announced projects.
Rolls-Royce said: “The EVTOL – or personal air mobility – market is emerging as a result of technological advances and a need to meet demands that will be placed upon conventional transport systems as more of the world’s population lives in large cities plagued by congestion. EVTOL will also play a role in meeting the requirement for more efficient travel with fewer emissions.
“We believe that, given the work we are doing today to develop hybrid electric propulsion capabilities, this model could be available by the early to mid-2020s, as long as a viable commercial model for its introduction can be created.”