DERBY – Rolls-Royce thinks its “Spirit of Innovation” plane could be the world’s fastest all-electric plane.
The company, which is headquartered in Derby, said the plane reached a top speed of 623km/h during tests at a test aircraft proving ground.
He is believed to have set new world records over three different distances.
The numbers have been sent to the World Air Sports Federation for verification.
The test flights took place on November 16 at Boscombe Down in Amesbury, Wiltshire.
Top speed was achieved by test pilot and director of flight operations Phill O’Dell.
“It’s the highlight of my career and an incredible achievement for the whole team,” he said.
According to Rolls-Royce, Spirit of Innovation was more than 132 mph (213.04 km/h) faster than the previous record set in 2017 by the Extra 330 LE Aerobatic aircraft powered by Siemens eAircraft.
It reached a top speed of 555.9 km/h (345.4 mph) over 3 km (1.9 miles) and 532.1 km/h (330 mph) over 15 km (9.3 miles) .
It is also believed to have beaten the fastest time to climb 3,000 m (9,842.52 ft) by 60 seconds with a time of 202 seconds.
The plane uses a 400 kW electric powertrain, the equivalent of a 535 hp supercar.
Roll-Royce said it also has the most powerful propulsion battery ever assembled in aerospace, with enough power to charge 7,500 phones.
Warren East, Rolls-Royce Chief Executive, said: “As the world focuses on what needs to be done at COP26, this is another important milestone that will help make Jet Zero a reality. .
“It supports our ambitions to deliver the technological breakthroughs society needs to decarbonize air, land and sea transport.”
Rolls-Royce hopes the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) will officially certify and endorse the results as new world records in the near future.
