Rolls-Royce's all-electric "Spirit of Innovation" aircraft successfully completed its first 15-minute flight, powered by a 400kW electric powertrain and the most power-dense battery pack ever for an aircraft.
The aircraft is part of the Accelerating the Electrification of Flight (ACCEL) program, aiming to break the world record for speed as the fastest zero-emission plane.
This initiative underscores Rolls-Royce's commitment to decarbonizing transport and developing advanced battery and propulsion technology for future applications like Urban Air Mobility and "jet zero."
The ACCEL program receives significant funding and support from the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) and UK government bodies, contributing to efforts to shift commercial aircraft to hybrid-electric fleets.
