Jet Engine Manufacturer Rolls-Royce Unveils EVTOL Concept Vehicle Sporting Hybrid Electric Engine

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Rolls-Royce recently unveiled a concept EVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) vehicle for potential 2020 availability that could carry four to five passengers at up to 250 mph (402 km/h). (Photo courtesy of Rolls-Royce.)

If Rolls-Royce can follow up on a concept it unveiled at the recent Farnborough International Airshow in mid-July, it could have an EVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) vehicle sky-bound by 2020. The concept involves the use of technologies already available or under development, and the vehicle could be adapted for personal and public transport, logistics, and military applications.

A Hybrid Approach

Part of a strategy to “champion electrification,” Rolls-Royce says the EVTOL project could help make its “ambition to become the world’s leading industrial technology company” possible. Rolls-Royce will use its expertise in providing hybrid electric propulsion for trains, naval vessels, and other applications and its knowledge concerning gas turbines, VTOL technology, systems analytics, and aerospace regulation and certification for the project. The company notes any commercial release of an EVTOL project would likely require collaborating with airframers and various strategic partners concerning the electrical system.

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The EVTOL concept vehicle Rolls-Royce recently announced could be adapted for personal and public transport and logistics and military applications. The initial concept uses a modified M250 turbine jet engine that outputs 500 kilowatts electrical power for six electric propulsors. (Photo courtesy of Rolls-Royce.)

The initial concept uses a modified M250 gas turbine engine situated at the rear to power six electric propulsors that feature a low-noise-profile design. The hybrid-electric M250 will provide about 500 kilowatts of electrical power, with a battery storing electric power. Other features include 90-degree rotating wings that enable vertical takeoffs and landings, two rear propellers providing thrust, and propellers that fold away upon reach cruising height. In a hybrid-EVTOL configuration, the vehicle could transport four or five passengers at up to 250 mph (402 km/h) for roughly 500 miles (804.7 kilometers) without recharging.

A Revolution Brewing

In a statement, Rob Watson, head of Rolls-Royce’s electrical team, described electrification as an “exciting and inescapable trend across industrial technology markets.” Although a transition to more electric propulsion will be gradual for Rolls-Royce, he said, “it will ultimately be a revolution.” Watson said Rolls-Royce’s track record as an aviation pioneer—including having developed the first turboprop and jet engines—leaves it well-placed to assume a leading role in the personal air mobility realm. “As the third generation of aviation begins to dawn, it’s time to be pioneers yet again,” he said.

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Source: Rolls-Royce

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