‘Records’ for e-plane
ROLLS-ROYCE reckons its Spirit of Innovation could be the world’s fastest allelectric aircraft.
The firm – whose aerospace HQ is in Derby – said it reached 387.4mph in test flights at Boscombe Down in Amesbury this week.
It is thought to have set records over three distances and figures have been sent to the World Air Sports Federation to verify.
Test pilot and director of flight operations Phill O’dell said: “This is the highlight of my career and is an incredible achievement for the whole team.”
Rolls-royce said Spirit of Innovation was more than 132mph faster than the previous record set by the Siemens eaircraft powered Extra 330 LE Aerobatic aircraft in 2017.
Rolls-royce boss Warren East said: “This is another milestone that will help make ‘jet zero’ a reality.”