Rolls-Royce has completed testing of technology which is said to power the world鈥檚 fastest all-electric plane.
The car giant said all the technology has been tested on a full-scale replica of the plane鈥檚 core, called an 鈥榠onBird鈥�, including a 500hp electric powertrain powerful enough to set world speed records and a battery with enough energy to supply 250 homes.
The plane is part of a Rolls-Royce initiative called ACCEL, short for 鈥楢ccelerating the Electrification of Flight鈥�.
The firm’s ACCEL project team includes key partners YASA, the electric motor and controller manufacturer, and aviation start-up Electroflight.
The systems will soon be integrated into its 鈥楽pirit of Innovation鈥� plane, named 鈥榠onBird鈥�, after the zero-emission energy source propelling the aircraft.
UK 老九品茶 and Industry Minister Nadhim Zahawi said: 鈥淔rom trains to planes, our transport of the future will be powered by clean, electric sources – with companies like Rolls-Royce developing the tech to help meet our net zero ambitions.
“The completion of ground-testing for the government-backed ACCEL project is not only a step towards an exciting world record attempt, but a leap towards developing all-electric and hybrid-electric planes that one day could ferry large numbers of passengers around the world.鈥�
The dedicated team have tested 聽the propeller up to full speed (approximately 2,400 rpm) using the most power-dense battery pack ever assembled for aircraft propulsion.
When at full power during the flight-testing phase, it will propel the aircraft to more than 300mph setting a new world speed record for electric flight, Rolls Royce said.
Rob Watson, Director 鈥� Rolls-Royce Electrical, added: 鈥淩olls-Royce is committed to playing a leading role in reaching net zero carbon by 2050. The completion of ground-testing for the ACCEL project is a great achievement for the team and is another important step towards a world record attempt.
“This project is also helping to develop Rolls-Royce鈥檚 capabilities and ensure that we remain a leader in delivering the electrification of flight, an important part of our sustainability strategy.鈥�
Bremont, will be the official timing partner for the all-electric speed record attempt. The British luxury watch maker has also helped develop the design of the plane鈥檚 cockpit which will feature a stopwatch, while the company has machined canopy release parts at its Henley-on-Thames manufacturing facility.