Electric aircraft set for take off as commercially viable transport

A great deal of progress has been made in technology for electric aircraft, boosting prospects for a new era in commuting believed to be coming between 2023 and 2026. A fully electric small aircraft from Rolls-Royce has broken two world speed records, demonstrating the viability of the aircraft for fast, short-distance transportation. Rolls-Royce is partnering with aerospace companies to develop airplanes and vehicles powered by its electric propulsion systems. In autumn 2021, the company's single-seat, electric-powered propeller plane, Spirit of Innovation, smashed the zero-emission speed record, hitting an average of 555.9 kph over 3 km. The average speed broke the existing record by 213.04 kph. The plane also flew at a record average speed of 532.1 kph over 15 km, maxing out at 623 kph. The two records were ratified in January by Federation Aeronautique Internationale, or World Air Sports Federation, which certifies aeronautical and astronautical records. Rob Watson, head of Rolls-Royce's electric aircraft business, says the company has built a solid foundation for realizing its vision of commercial electric aviation. The first commercial electric aircraft will be small and designed for high-speed commuter transport. An electric aircraft is powered by one or more motors typically supplied by batteries. Technological challenges in developing commercially viable electric aircraft include reducing the weight of core parts like batteries and motors while enhancing power. Electric planes are expected to have a cost advantage over traditional planes when traveling short distances with a limited number of passengers. Story has more.<br/>