First In History, Rolls-Royce Tests An Electric Airplane

JAKARTA - Last year, the Rolls-Royce car manufacturer planned to develop an electric-powered aircraft. However, it turned out that this was not just a plan. Not long ago, the company successfully tested the aircraft from the land route.

Nicknamed Accelerating the Electrification of Flight (ACCEL), Rolls-Royce partnered with YASA, an electric motor and controller manufacturer, and aviation startup Electroflight.

The technology has now been tested in a full-scale replica of the aircraft's core, called ionBird. The ionBird test is defined as the term "iron bird", which describes propulsion testing rigs, traditionally used in the development of conventional aircraft.

Quoting AeroSpace, Saturday, September 26, this aircraft combines three 750R axial electric motors that produce a powertrain of up to 500 horse power (Hp). The engine is also supported by a battery of over 6,000 cells packed for maximum safety, minimum weight, full thermal protection and offers a range of 200 miles (320 km) on a single charge.

Rolls-Royce claims that the top speed of the aircraft must be more than 300mph (480 km / h). Ground testing involved the propeller at full speed of approximately 2,400rpm, optimizing system performance and gathering data for further analysis.

"Rolls-Royce is committed to playing a major role in achieving net zero carbon by 2050. This project also helps develop Rolls-Royce's capabilities and ensures that we remain at the forefront of delivering aviation electrification, an important part of our sustainability strategy," said Rolls Director. -Royce Electrical, Rob Watson.

ACCEL will make its first flight later this year, the plane will seek to break the flight record scheduled for early next year.

"The completion of field testing for the ACCEL project is a major achievement for the team and is another important step towards a world record endeavor," said Watson.