Rolls-Royce ACCEL the world’s fastest electric plane.
Rolls-Royce has released the first images of an all-electric demonstrator aircraft developed in partnership with electric motor and controller manufacturer YASA and startup Electroflight.
The tail-sitter aircraft Accel, which is based on a heavily modified version of the diesel-powered Nemesis NXT Big Frog sport racing aircraft, currently is being fitted with the propulsion system. Ground tests of the integrated aircraft and propulsion system already are underway using a test airframe dubbed the “ion bird.” Rolls says “planned tests over the next couple of months include running the propulsion system up to full power as well as key airworthiness checks.”
The next step will be the integration of the electric drive system to break the record with a target speed of 298mph (480 kmh) in late spring 2020. In the meantime, the engine manufacturer is also providing further details about the drive system. This consists of three axially arranged electric motors, which together are to produce 367 kW for the (unspecified) duration of the record flight. Compared to a conventional aircraft, the propeller blades rotate at a much lower speed to achieve a more stable and quiet position in the air.
The ACCEL’s engine has more than 500hp and can function at 90% efficiency. The battery system consisting of its 6,000 round cells should be sufficient for a flight between London and Paris or be able to supply the equivalent of 250 households with electricity. The cells are to be arranged very compactly for a lighter construction; due to the high power requirement, they will be cooled directly.
Rolls-Royce has targeted the Spring of 2020 for its first attempt to blow through that 300 MPH barrier. Soon!
