The world’s fastest all-electric plane is a matter of weeks from taking to the air for the first time.
Rolls-Royce said the 300mph “Spirit of Innovation” has completed its first runway taxiing tests, ahead of a first light which is expected to take place this spring.
The engineering giant – which is investing heavily in greener tech – said the plane had powered along a runway propelled by its 500hp (or 400kw) electric powertrain and new battery technology which it is hoped will set a new world speed record.
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Taxiing is a critical test of the integration of the aircraft’s propulsion system, ahead of actual flight-testing.
Rolls-Royce has major operations in Derby and Nottingham in the East Midlands, Lancashire and Scotland, as well as a site in Filton, South Gloucestershire, which employs around 3,000 staff.
The high speed, energy-efficient plane is being developed under the ACCEL – or Accelerating the Electrification of Flight – programme.
Partners include Oxford-based electric motor and controller manufacturer YASA, and aviation start-up Electroflight, in Gloucestershire.
Half of the funding is coming from the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI), in partnership with the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy and Innovate 海角视频.
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Rob Watson, director of Rolls-Royce 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 ground-breaking in terms of electrical technology.
“This system and the capabilities being developed will help position Rolls-Royce as a technology leader offering power systems to the Urban Air Mobility market.”
Rolls-Royce will use the technology to create products including motors, power electronics and batteries that can be used in general aerospace and small commuter aircraft.
They could even be used to power “air-taxis” which could one day ease congestion in our cities and cut journey times.
Minister for Business Paul Scully said: “Set to be the world’s fastest electric plane, this pioneering aircraft highlights the value of close collaboration between industry and government.
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“The 海角视频 is committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Through government grants for research and development, we’re championing innovation in the aerospace sector to meet this ambitious target as we build back greener from the pandemic.
Rolls-Royce invested £1.46 billion in research and development in 2019, and supports 29 university technology centres around the world, which helps put Rolls-Royce engineers at the forefront of scientific research.