ACCEL

ACCEL: Accelerating the Electrification of Flight

Our zero-emission 'Spirit of Innovation' aircraft has achieved a new world record for all-electric flight of 345.4mph

Breaking records to combat climate change

We’re at the start of a new and exciting era in the future of electric aviation – building the fastest all-electric plane the world has ever seen.

It’s estimated that over 6 billion people will fly annually by 2030 and more planes in the air means more emissions. Our pioneering technology will play a fundamental role in enabling the future of low-carbon flight.

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Inspiring the next generation

This amazing project is an exciting opportunity to engage with tomorrow’s scientists and engineers. We've produced a whole host of STEM-related activity packs for inquisitive young minds eager to learn more about cleaner sustainable aviation and have fun in the process.


Access our activity packs

Battery technology has been integral to the creation of the Spirit of Innovation, our first all-electric aircraft.

Comprised of 6,000 cells and an advanced cooling system that can withstand extreme temperatures, the plane's battery is a feat of engineering. It's a key part of our future where we aim to lead the way in sustainable power for new aviation markets; with an all-electric solution that will get us closer to a NetZero future.

Our partners in pioneering all-electric aviation

This ground-breaking project is made possible by collaborating with the UK’s finest experts in the field, along with support from the UK Government. Half of the project’s funding is provided by the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI), in partnership with the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy and Innovate UK.

The ATI Programme is a joint Government-industry investment to maintain and grow the UK’s competitive position in civil aerospace design and manufacture. The programme, delivered through a partnership of the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI), Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and Innovate UK, addresses technology, capability and supply chain challenges. www.ati.org.uk

Rolls-Royce and YASA

Rolls-Royce is working with YASA (UK), a manufacturer of high-power, lightweight electric motors and controllers used in automotive, aerospace and industrial applications.

"We’re excited to be working with Rolls-Royce on integrating our high-power, light weight electric motors into a pure electric demonstrator aircraft. Thanks to our innovative axial-flux design, YASA can deliver the smallest, lightest electric motors for a given power and torque – opening up new and exciting opportunities for electrification in aerospace."
Chris Harris, CEO, YASA

Rolls-Royce and Electroflight

Rolls-Royce is supported by Electroflight (UK), a start-up specialising in high performance electric powertrains.

"We are delighted to be supporting Rolls-Royce with an integrated electric powertrain including an innovative energy storage solution. Our team comprises leading experts in electrification from the motorsport and automotive sector to assist our partners to accelerate the evolution of electric aircraft."
Roger Targett, Managing Director, Electroflight


Airframer Support

For the ‘Spirit of Innovation’ airframe the team selected the Sharp Nemesis NXT specifically designed for air speed racing. For Rolls-Royce and our partners, the focus of the ACCEL project is in developing the technology and capability necessary to enable power and propulsion systems for the advanced air mobility market rather the aircraft itself. Both original designer of the aircraft John Sharp & current rights holder NXT Aero have generously supported Electroflight throughout the project.

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