Rolls-Royce aims to break speed record with electric single-seater
Rolls-Royce intends to set a speed record for all-electric aircraft of at least 260kt (481km/h) with an electrified version of the Nemesis NXT racing aircraft, which the engine maker is building with UK partners.
The current speed record for an all-electric aircraft stands at 182kt and was achieved in 2017 by an electrified version of the Extra 330 aerobatic aircraft, powered by a Siemens motor.
Part of R-R’s initiative ACCEL – short for Acceleration of the Electrification of Flight –
the manufacturer is modifying the low-wing, single-seat kit aircraft at Gloucestershire airport with electric motor supplier YASA and battery specialist Electroflight.