Rolls-Royce is developing new technology it says will allow for longer flights using hybrid-electric battery powered planes.
According to the aerospace giant, which has UK bases in Derby and Filton, in South Gloucestershire, the turbogenerator tech will recharge batteries after take-off or power propellers directly, meaning the aircraft can switch between power sources in flight.
Current battery technology for electric vertical take-off and landing ( eVTOL ) vehicles and fixed-wing commuter aircraft is only for short flights in between cities and island-hopping in locations such as Norway and the Scottish Isles.
But Rolls-Royce said its new technology would be scaled to serve much longer routes.
The research and development of the technology is being part-funded by the German Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action.
Rob Watson, president of Rolls Royce Electrical, said: “Rolls-Royce will be the leading provider of all-electric and hybrid-electric power and propulsion systems for Advanced Air Mobility and will scale this technology over time to larger platforms.
“As part of our strategy, we are looking at offering the complete sustainable solution for our customers. This means extending routes that electric flight can support through our turbogenerator technology. This will advance hybrid-electric flight and mean more passengers will be able to travel further on ow-to-net-zero emissions aircraft.”
Last year, Rolls-Royce announced a pathway to net zero carbon emissions. The company has committed to ensuring its new products will be compatible with net zero operation by 2030 and all its products will be compatible with net zero by 2050.
The news comes just days after Rolls-Royce announced it would be offering thousands of staff at its UK sites an extra £2,000 to help with the cost of living crisis.
The move is expected to cost the engineering giant £28m, while the backdated pay rise will take the aggregate cost to more than £40m. It follows an announcement by Lloyds Banking Group, which is also giving staff extra pay to help with the rising cost of living amid soaring inflation.
In May, Rolls-Royce chief executive Warren East, who is stepping down later this year, said he was confident the company had a “sustainable future”. Rolls-Royce has cut nearly 9,000 jobs from its global workforce since the pandemic hit and is disposing of four of its ancillary businesses – two of which were sold in 2021. The sales are expected to generate around £2bn for the company.
