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New Rolls-Royce small engine set to begin tests to advance the hybrid-electric flight
Rolls-Royce said that testing on a new, compact gas turbine designed particularly to power hybrid-electric flight had already started. The engine is a component of a turbogenerator system being developed for the Advanced Air Mobility market. This includes electronic vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for urban air mobility and commuter aircraft applications with up to 19 seats.
Rolls-Royce is combining its expertise in gas turbine and electrical development for the creation of the turbogenerator system. Recent technological advancements are used in the new combustion engine to significantly increase the efficiency of small gas turbines. It is possible to use the turbogenerator in hybrid serial or parallel applications.
It enables airplanes to switch between power sources while in flight as it is well adapted to both directly power electrical propulsion units and recharge batteries. The German Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action is contributing to the research and development of this technology.
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In the upcoming months, this engine will be tested on SAF and used to inaugurate Rolls-Royce’s Dahlewitz testing centre. To test the new engine and validate its technical specifications, the Rolls-Royce Power Gearbox test facility has been upgraded.
For applications including all-electric and hybrid-electric vehicles, Rolls-Royce is developing comprehensive power and propulsion systems. And systems that are being designed using the most recent technology, including power electronics, control systems, and electric motors, as well as power generation and energy storage.
