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Rolls-Royce's All-Electric Aircraft Completes 15-Minute Maiden Voyage

Saturday September 18, 2021. 01:02 AM , from Slashdot
Rolls-Royce's 'Spirit of Innovation' all-electric airplane completed a 15 minute flight, marking 'the beginning of an intensive flight-testing phase in which we will be collecting valuable performance data on the aircraft's electrical power and propulsion system,' the company announced. Engadget reports: Rolls Royce said the one-seat airplane has 'the most power-dense battery pack every assembled for an aircraft.' The aircraft uses (PDF) a 6,000 cell battery pack with a three-motor powertrain that currently delivers 400kW (500-plus horsepower), and Rolls-Royce said the aircraft will eventually achieve speeds of over 300 MPH. The flight comes about a year after the originally scheduled takeoff and about six months after taxi trials. Rolls-Royce is also developing an air taxi with manufacturer Tecnam, with the aim of delivering an 'all-electric passenger aircraft for the commuter market,' according to the companies. It has previously teamed with Siemens and Airbus on another e-plane concept.

The project was half funded by the Aerospace Technology Institute and UK government, with the aim of eventually creating all-electric passenger planes. 'This is not only about breaking a world record; the advanced battery and propulsion technology developed for this program has exciting applications for the Urban Air Mobility market and can help make 'jet zero' a reality,' said Rolls-Royce CEO Warren East.

Read more of this story at Slashdot.
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