Aircraft engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce has successfully completed the first runway taxiing test of its all-electric ‘Spirit of Innovation’ aircraft.

According to Rolls-Royce, the plane is said to become the world’s fastest electric aircraft.

Taxiing is a critical test of the integration of the aircraft’s propulsion system, which is conducted prior to actual flight-testing.

During the taxi test, the aircraft’s 500HP (or 400kW) electric powertrain and new battery technology powered it along a runway.

Spirit of Innovation is scheduled to perform the first flight later this year. The company plans to achieve a target speed of more than 300mph (480km/h) at full power early next year.

The Accelerating the Electrification of Flight (ACCEL) programme is part of Rolls-Royce’s commitment towards net-zero carbon by 2050.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Rolls-Royce electrical director Rob Watson 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 the 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 groundbreaking in terms of electrical technology. This system and the capabilities being developed will help position Rolls-Royce as a technology leader offering power system to the Urban Air Mobility market.”

Key partners of the programme include electric motor and controller manufacturer YASA and aviation start-up Electroflight.

Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) and the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy and Innovate UK provided half of the funding for the project.