Rolls-Royce has impressed with its latest aviation innovation – the world's fastest all-electric plane. The 'Spirit of Innovation&...
Rolls-Royce has impressed with its latest aviation innovation – the world's fastest all-electric plane.
The 'Spirit of Innovation' aircraft has set a new speed record, reaching maximum speeds of 387.4mph during a test flight – 132mph faster than the existing record.
Meanwhile, the all-electric aircraft achieved 330mph over 9.3 miles (15km) – 182mph faster than the previous record – and broke the fastest time to climb to 3,000 meters by 60 seconds, with a time of 202 seconds.
The data has now been submitted to the Federation Aeronautique Internationale, which controls the world aeronautical records, for confirmation.
Warren East, CEO of Rolls-Royce, said: 'Following the world's focus on the need for action at COP26, this is another milestone that will help make "jet zero" a reality and supports our ambitions to deliver the technology breakthroughs society needs to decarbonise transport across air, land and sea.'
The 'Spirit of Innovation' aircraft has set a new speed record, reaching maximum speeds of 387.4mph during a test flight – 132mph faster than the existing record
The test flight took place at the UK Ministry of Defence's Boscombe Down experimental aircraft testing site on November 16.
During the test flight, the aircraft was piloted by Rolls-Royce's Director of Flight Operations Phil O'Dell, and clocked speeds of 387.4mph.
This is 132mph faster than the existing record, which was set by the Siemens eAircraft powered Extra 330 LE Aerobatic aircraft in 2017.
Spirit of Innovation is powered by a 400kW electric powertrain and a power-dense propulsion battery pack containing 6,480 cells.
To put that into context, the battery is big enough to charge 7,500 smartphones!
This system enables the propellers to rotate at 2,200 rpm, which is twice as fast as a washing machine on high spin.
To ensure the huge battery stays cool, Spirit of Innovation features thermal protection made from Portugese Cork - the same cork used in bottling wines.
Mr O'Dell said: 'Flying the "Spirit of Innovation" at these incredible speeds and believing we have broken the world-record for all-electric flight is a momentous occasion.
Spirit of Innovation is powered by a 400kW electric powertrain and a power-dense propulsion battery pack containing 6,480 cells
During the test flight, the aircraft was piloted by Rolls Royce's Director of Flight Operations, and clocked speeds of 387.4mph
'This is the highlight of my career and is an incredible achievement for the whole team.
'The opportunity to be at the forefront of another pioneering chapter of Rolls-Royce's story as we look to deliver the future of aviation is what dreams are made of.'
Rolls-Royce believes that project could pave the way for future technologies, and even flying taxis in the near future.
In a statement, it said: 'As well as a stunning technical achievement, the project and world record runs provided important data for our future electric power and propulsion systems for all-electric urban air mobility and hybrid-electric commuter aircraft.
To ensure the huge battery stays cool, Spirit of Innovation features thermal protection made from Portugese Cork - the same cork used in bottling wines
Rolls-Royce believes that project could pave the way for future technologies, and even flying taxis in the near future
In a statement, Rolls-Royce said: 'As well as a stunning technical achievement, the project and world record runs provided important data for our future electric power and propulsion systems for all-electric urban air mobility and hybrid-electric commuter aircraft
'The characteristics that "air-taxis" require from batteries, for instance, are very similar to what was developed for the "Spirit of Innovation".'
Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng added: 'Rolls-Royce's revolutionary Spirit of Innovation aircraft is yet more proof of the UK's enviable credentials when it comes to innovation.
'This record will show the potential of electric flight and help to unlock the technologies that could make it part of everyday life.
'The government is proud to back projects like this to leverage the private investment necessary to unlock cleaner, greener aircraft which will allow people to fly as they do now, but in a way that cuts emissions.'
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