NEW ROLLS-ROYCE SMALL ENGINE SET TO BEGIN TESTS TO ADVANCE HYBRID-ELECTRIC FLIGHT

The turbogenerator system will complement the Rolls-Royce Electrical propulsion portfolio by delivering an on-board power source with scalable power offerings between 500kW and 1200kW enabling an extended range of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and later, as it becomes available, through hydrogen combustion. This will open up new, longer routes than electric battery-powered aircraft can support today.

The development of the turbogenerator system is combining Rolls-Royce’s electrical and gas turbine development competencies. The new combustion engine uses recent technology developments to achieve a step change in the efficiency of small gas turbines. The turbogenerator can be used in serial or parallel hybrid applications. It is well suited to recharge batteries as well as provide energy to electrical propulsion units directly and therefore enables aircraft to switch between power sources in flight. The research and development of this technology are being partially funded by the German Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action.

This engine will be tested on SAF in the coming months and will be used for the commissioning of Rolls-Royce’s test facility in Dahlewitz. The Rolls-Royce Power Gearbox test facility has been modified to accommodate testing of the new engine and to confirm the engine’s technical attributes.

Rolls-Royce is developing complete power and propulsion systems for all-electric and hybrid-electric applications. Our systems under design feature the latest technology, from power generation and energy storage via power electronics and control systems to electric motors.