UK engineering company Rolls-Royce said its all-electric plane has successfully completed taxiing trials as it prepares for its first test flight in spring.
It was powered along the runway by a 400-kilowatt electric engine and the latest battery technology, Rolls-Royce said yesterday.
The runway tests form “part of an exciting new chapter in aviation”, the UK’s Minister for Business Paul Scully said.
He said the “aircraft highlights the value of close collaboration between industry and government”.
Growing concerns about climate change and the aviation industry's pledge to cut emissions have made airlines eager to adopt sustainable technology.
Aviation accounts for about 2 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions.
“The UK is committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Through government grants for research and development, we are championing innovation in the aerospace sector to meet this target as we build back greener from the pandemic,” said Mr Scully.
The electric plane has a top speed of about 480 kilometres per hour and can cover a distance of up to 515km – about the same distance between London and Paris – on a single charge, according to the Rolls-Royce website.
Rolls-Royce’s “Accelerating the Electrification of Flight” programme includes electric motor and controller manufacturer Yasa and aviation start-up Electroflight.
“Electrification of flight is an important part of our sustainability strategy as we aim for net zero carbon by 2050,” said Rob Watson, director of Rolls-Royce Electrical.
“For the first time, the plane propelled itself forward using the power from an advanced battery-and-propulsion system that is ground-breaking in terms of electrical technology.”
Half of the project’s funding is from the Aerospace Technology Institute, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and Innovate UK.
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Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
The Bio
Favourite holiday destination: Either Kazakhstan or Montenegro. I’ve been involved in events in both countries and they are just stunning.
Favourite book: I am a huge of Robin Cook’s medical thrillers, which I suppose is quite apt right now. My mother introduced me to them back home in New Zealand.
Favourite film or television programme: Forrest Gump is my favourite film, that’s never been up for debate. I love watching repeats of Mash as well.
Inspiration: My late father moulded me into the man I am today. I would also say disappointment and sadness are great motivators. There are times when events have brought me to my knees but it has also made me determined not to let them get the better of me.
Expert advice
“Join in with a group like Cycle Safe Dubai or TrainYAS, where you’ll meet like-minded people and always have support on hand.”
Stewart Howison, co-founder of Cycle Safe Dubai and owner of Revolution Cycles
“When you sweat a lot, you lose a lot of salt and other electrolytes from your body. If your electrolytes drop enough, you will be at risk of cramping. To prevent salt deficiency, simply add an electrolyte mix to your water.”
Cornelia Gloor, head of RAK Hospital’s Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy Centre
“Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can ride as fast or as far during the summer as you do in cooler weather. The heat will make you expend more energy to maintain a speed that might normally be comfortable, so pace yourself when riding during the hotter parts of the day.”
Chandrashekar Nandi, physiotherapist at Burjeel Hospital in Dubai
Company Profile
Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million
COMPANY PROFILE
Company name: Blah
Started: 2018
Founder: Aliyah Al Abbar and Hend Al Marri
Based: Dubai
Industry: Technology and talent management
Initial investment: Dh20,000
Investors: Self-funded
Total customers: 40
Brief scores:
Southampton 2
Armstrong 13', Soares 20'
Manchester United 2
Lukaku 33', Herrera 39'
Frankenstein in Baghdad
Ahmed Saadawi
Penguin Press
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
