Rolls-Royce takes another step towards hybrid-electric flight

Rolls-Royce has taken another important step towards making hybrid-electric flight a reality after successfully completing the first fuel burn of a new engine.

The engineering giant has created a new small gas turbine, which has specifically been developed to power hybrid-electric aircraft.

The engine will be integrated into a lightweight turbogenerator system, which is being developed for the Advanced Air Mobility market – which includes commuter aircraft of up to 19 seats.

Matheu Parr, customer director for electrical at Rolls-Royce, said: “The first fuel burn of our brand-new small gas turbine is a significant leap forward with successful stages throughout the test from light-up to the pull-away of the system.

“This significant achievement follows the fast-paced development time of the new gas turbine.

“The turbogenerator system will enable our customers to extend the routes that electric flight can support and means more passengers will be able to travel further on low and potentially net zero emissions aircraft.”

The development of the turbogenerator solution brings together Rolls-Royce’s capabilities in designing compact and lightweight high-speed rotating electric machines, and highly efficient gas turbines.

Rolls-Royce said the first tests have helped the team to develop knowledge and generate real data to verify key technical attributes of the design.

This will allow for design adaptations for the next set of testing, ultimately pushing towards the maturity of a certified engine.

Matheu said: “With this achievement we have proven we can apply our expertise to novel designs and are able to test them on a very quick timescale.

“This capability will help Rolls-Royce to deliver the products that will help us on our path to net zero within the ambitious industry timelines of the Advanced Air Mobility market.”