Technology
Aeronautics /
Europe
Race for sustainability
Rolls Royce focuses on electric propulsion rather than their traditional jet engines
VA-X4
Vertical aerospace
Image: Vertical aerospace
Rafael Ramos
7/9/2021
Rolls-Royce is well known for its jet engines, but the market is increasingly focused on sustainable energy. In turn, Rolls-Royce has adopted this type of propulsion in its engines.
“Over the past three years, we've had a very strong focus on electrification. We decided to create a stronger role for ourselves in electric propulsion. We are rapidly building capacity and direct customer relationships in the field,” says Rob Watson, director of Rolls-Royce Electric.
In 2019, Rolls-Royce acquired Siemens' hybrid-electric aerospace propulsion division. The two companies, together with Airbus, collaborated on the E-Fan X demonstrator, a study on hybrid-electric propulsion.
Also in August 2019, Rolls-Royce, together with Norwegian airline Wideroe, debuted a program for zero-emission flights and, this year, they will work with Tecnam to develop an all-electric aircraft based on the P2012, in a project called the P-Volt.
eVTOL VX4
Image: Vertical Aerospace
But the work for a more sustainable propulsion does not stop there. In March 2021, the company announced its electric propulsion system for Vertical Aerospace's VA-X4, which is expected, according to the manufacturer, to be the first certified urban mobility eVTOL.
There are other such projects underway, however, Rob Watson says Rolls-Royce will only invest in electrical projects that have a clear business plan as well as potential demand.
"I have no doubts that the technology is coming." Watson believes that eVTOL urban mobility aircraft will be the first to receive electric propulsion.
Other companies are investing in electric propulsion, such as GE Aviation. However, there are difficulties along the way, and, according to Watson, the biggest one is the difficulty in finding business partners.
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Rafael Ramos
Aviation enthusiast from an early age, he had his first contacts with the area developing that good old habit of spending dozens of hours in front of the screens of Micrsoft Flight Simulator and other simulators. With a solid background in various technological areas, including engineering and chemistry, Rafael has rejoined aviation as editor and author of articles and materials on our portal, providing invaluable help to the dynamics and expansion of the website and the aeronautical community, bringing us the news and updates so indispensable for us to remain current in our area of operation.
   
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