Aircraft engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce has collaborated with aeronautics manufacturer Tecnam and Scandinavian airline Widerøe to launch an all-electric passenger aircraft.
As part of this collaboration, the companies aim to introduce the aircraft to the Norwegian commuter market by 2026.
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Rolls-Royce will contribute its knowledge in propulsion and power systems while Tecnam will be responsible for aircraft design, manufacturing and certification capabilities.
As a launch operator, Widerøe will have all-new capabilities, processes and procedures required designed and approved.
Rolls-Royce electrical director Rob Watson said: “Electrification will help us deliver our ambition to enable the markets in which we operate achieve net-zero carbon by 2050.
“This collaboration strengthens our existing relationships with Tecnam and Widerøe as we look to explore what is needed to deliver an all-electric passenger aircraft for the commuter market.
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By GlobalData“It also demonstrates Rolls-Royce’s ambitions to be the leading supplier of all-electric and hybrid-electric propulsion and power systems across multiple aviation markets.”
The collaboration builds on a joint research programme launched by Rolls-Royce with Widerøe on sustainable aviation in 2019.
The two companies aim to develop electrical aircraft concepts that meet Norway’s goal of zero-emissions by 2030, as well as replace and electrify Widerøe’s regional fleet of more than 30 aircraft.
Last year, Tecnam and Rolls-Royce announced a partnership to develop the all-electric, twin-electric motor, short and medium-range passenger P-Volt aircraft.
These two partners are also working on a parallel hybrid electric version of the P2010 four-seater under the H3PS project.
The P-Volt aircraft is based on the 11-seat Tecnam P2012 Traveller aircraft. It will be suitable for the short take-off and landing, as well as Norway’s North and the West Coast routes.
Earlier this month, Rolls-Royce successfully completed the first runway taxiing test of its all-electric ‘Spirit of Innovation’ aircraft.
