Electrifying Next Gen Commuter Aircraft

From zero emissions, better performance and opening new market opportunities, electrification plays a key role in the future of Regional Air Mobility (RAM). Based on our recent technology demonstrations, Rolls-Royce is leading the way to get there with advanced technology that will be cost-effective, sustainable and adaptable.

The Market and the Tech are Rapidly Evolving

By offering a cost-efficient solution for short take-off and landing, RAM could not only be the answer to currently expensive business commutes, but also help to connect geographically remote or hard to reach areas, as well as supporting enhanced demand for the transportation of goods through e-commerce.

The RAM market is reaching a turning point, with potential for significant growth driven by innovative propulsion technologies and societal demands for zero-emission aviation. We’re pursuing different system architectures applicable to the growing number of aircraft aiming at different missions to support this resurgence in regional air mobility.

An Evolving Commuter Aircraft Programme Built for Airframers

Our Commuter Aircraft Programme is developing hybrid-electric propulsion technologies for our customers to leverage various energy sources and power classes for next generation airframes. Based on modular and scalable design principles, the products we are developing will be applicable on 9- to 19- passenger commuter aircraft. Rolls-Royce is also uniquely positioned to support RAM with adaptable and diverse system architectures.

We are focusing on our goal of entering commercial service within this decade. Our teams are in advanced testing stages to demonstrate viability of our portfolio for commuter aircraft to meet customer demands of future fleets.

Prototyping Machines for a Growing and Adaptable Portfolio

Systems under design feature the latest advanced technology. Our direct drive, air-cooled electric motor with integrated power electronics and control, offers passive cooling using ram air, reducing maintenance and operation costs while ensuring high efficiency. Special features include four independent lanes: the patented multi-lane architecture with no-fault propagation between lanes is aiming to achieve highest safety, additionally supported by integrated health monitoring and protection features.

The EPU also boasts a highly platform adaptability and is suitable for single, twin, and quad-engine aircraft platforms, offering a power-dense, compact, and modular propulsion solution.

The Promise of Hydrogen Fuel Cells

We have carried out thorough studies on available sustainable energy sources and their storage technologies applicable for aviation where hydrogen has been identified as the most promising energy source for zero-emission commuter aircraft. In July 2022, we announced the collaboration with Hyundai Motor Group who are rapidly advancing their unique in-house hydrogen fuel cell technology into aviation applications. The development of hydrogen fuel cell configurations for commuter aircraft is the next step in achieving cost-competitive zero-emission flight by 2030.

What’s next on the horizon for RAM?

With the commuter aircraft space as the next frontier in sustainable aviation, we’re working on cutting-edge, certification-ready electric and hybrid-electric solutions that combine superior efficiency, good economic performance, environmental responsibility, and social benefits for the wider travelling public.

Developing new technology for this exciting market requires partnership with customers, industry partners, regulatory authorities, and governments. We are poised to collaborate with airframers on cost-effective and lower carbon products to potentially extend current routes, close network gaps and serve more communities and airports around the world – helping to redefine mobility as we know it.

Dr. Qinyin Zhang, Business Area Lead Commuter Aircraft, Rolls-Royce, Photo: AAM Forum BavAIRia

Our Electrical power & propulsion portfolio

Innovative power and propulsion systems for Advanced Air Mobility

We develop 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.

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