Rolls-Royce ticket electric plane that succeeded in first flight

British Rolls-Royce has successfully flew its first electric plane, the Spirit of Innovation. Spirit of Innovation is developing with the goal of setting the highest flight speed record using a long-nose propeller electric airplane reminiscent of a classic racing machine from the 1930s.

Warren East, CEO of Rolls-Royce, said that Spirit of Innovation’s first flight is a great achievement for the development team and Rolls-Royce. He said he’s focused on creating the innovation the world needs to get the chance. The advanced battery and propulsion technology developed through this program will contribute to the realization of jet zero, which can be applied to future urban air mobility, he added.

The first flight took place over 15 minutes from RAF base southeast of Amesbury in Wiltshire, England. Spirit of Innovation drives a 400 kW, 536 horsepower powertrain from a battery pack containing 6,000 cells. The aircraft is equipped with three YASA 750R motors.

Half of the funding for this project is being provided by the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) through a partnership between the UK Energy Industry Strategy and Innovate UK, a government-backed public agency. This program for the 26th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Climate Change, COP26, also serves to appeal to the UK’s position at the forefront of zero-emission aircraft innovation. In addition, Rolls-Royce, together with aircraft manufacturer Tecnam, is developing an electric passenger plane for the urban air commuter market, aiming for commercial operation in 2026. Related information can be found here.