The Spirit of Innovation aircraft developed by Rolls-Royce has successfully completed its test flight, promising to set a world record with a speed of 480 km/h.
The Spirit of Innovation aircraft conducted a 15-minute test flight. (Video: Rolls-Royce)
The all-electric high-speed aircraft, Spirit of Innovation, developed by Rolls-Royce, has completed its first test flight. On September 15, 2021, the aircraft took off from the Boscombe Down area of the UK Ministry of Defence in the outskirts of Amesbury, Wiltshire, for a duration of 15 minutes.
This inaugural flight was completed six months after runway testing and over a year later than the original launch schedule. The program will advance to an enhanced testing phase to gather data on the performance of the propulsion system and electric motors on the aircraft, aiming for a world record speed of 480 km/h.
As part of the Aerospace Electric Flight Program (ACEL), Rolls-Royce designed the Spirit of Innovation not only to set the airspeed record for electric aircraft but also to promote the development of Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) taxis.
The first flight was completed six months after runway testing.
Rolls-Royce stated that inside the elongated nose of the aircraft, reminiscent of classic 1930s designs, is the highest energy density battery ever assembled on an aircraft. The battery comprises 6,000 cells with a capacity of 400 kW and can achieve a maximum output of 750 kW with a Thermal Management System Cooling to prevent overheating. Additionally, sensors monitor performance from 20,000 points across the propulsion system.
“The first flight of the Spirit of Innovation is a significant achievement for Rolls-Royce,” said Warren East, CEO of Rolls-Royce. “We are focused on developing the technological breakthroughs needed to reduce carbon emissions from aviation, road, and maritime vehicles.”
