Spirit of Innovation.

[martin-w 3,314]

This will be fun. Rolls Royce are attempting the world speed record for electric flight.

Currently the record is held by an Extra 330LE at 213 mph. Rolls are attempting to reach 300 mph.

Not only that, despite being built purely for speed, it will have a 200 mile range. 

 

https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/a32202373/solar-panel-record-efficiency/

 

https://www.aerospacetestinginternational.com/news/electric-hybrid/rolls-royce-set-to-break-world-record-for-fastest-electric-aircraft.html

 

Quote

During nine months of ground testing the propeller was run up to full speed, around 2,400 rpm, using what Rolls-Royce claims is the most power-dense battery pack ever assembled for aircraft propulsion. Over 6,000 cells are packaged in the battery and when at full power during flight testing it will propel the aircraft to more than 300mph setting a new world speed record for electric flight.

 

Edited February 18, 2021 by martin-w

[martin-w 3,314]

 

[martin-w 3,314]

First taxi.

 

https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/news/derby-news/rolls-royce-makes-steps-towards-5060378

[WingZ 547]

They've been tinkering with this one for ten years.

Hopefully the battery technology will catch up with the design aspirations.

 

 

 

[Matthew Kane 1,343]

1 hour ago, martin-w said:

First taxi.

 

https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/news/derby-news/rolls-royce-makes-steps-towards-5060378

Wow that looks awesome, kind of a 1930's feel to it when aviation was really innovative. 

[martin-w 3,314]

12 hours ago, WingZ said:

They've been tinkering with this one for ten years.

Hopefully the battery technology will catch up with the design aspirations.

 

This isn't the Rolls Royce concept though. battery technology is sufficient for Rolls Royce's attempt at the record. 

[WingZ 547]

Very much so.

Roger Targett founded Electroflight in 2011.

They are a Technology company and have partnered with several industry leaders over the years.

In this case they partnered with RR in a programme called ACCEL which is what you are reading about now.

As I said, batteries as ever were the choke. However the prognosis is good, hope they crack it.  

[martin-w 3,314]

Oh okay. 

[martin-w 3,314]

A question for the armchair aerodynamicists...

Why have Rolls gone for a tail dragger?

Same question for Eviation Alice. Originally it was a nose wheel, but now a tail dragger? 

 

 

Although a new design has surfaced with a nose wheel.

 

 

 

Edited March 11, 2021 by martin-w