Rolls-Royce has completed testing of the ground-breaking technology that will power the world’s fastest all-electric plane. It was tested on a full-size replica of the aircraft fuselage, the so-called “ionBird”, including a 500hp electric propulsion system, enough to set world speed records, and a battery with enough power to power 250 homes.
The aircraft is part of a Rolls-Royce initiative called ACCEL, short for “Accelerating the Electrification of Flight.” The ACCEL project team includes key partners, including YASA, the manufacturer of electric motors and controllers, and the aerospace start-up Electroflight.
The tests allowed the propeller to be driven at full rotational speed (approximately 2,400 rpm) using the densest and most powerful high-performance battery ever assembled to propel an aircraft. At full power during the flight test phase, the aircraft should reach over 300mph (480 km/h), setting a new world speed record in the electric flight category. The battery consists of more than 6000 cells packed for maximum safety, minimum mass, and complete thermal protection.
“Rolls-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,” said Rob Watson, Director – Rolls-Royce Electrical. “This project is also helping to develop Rolls-Royce’s capabilities and ensure that we remain a leader in delivering the electrification of flight, an important part of our sustainability strategy.”
Half of the project funding is provided by the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI), in partnership with the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy and Innovate UK. The ACCEL project is a first for Rolls-Royce to chart its course towards zero carbon by 2050. It is also the first Rolls-Royce project to use the offset system to make the entire program carbon neutral.
