Rolls-Royce is stepping into the manufacturing of the “Vertical Aerospace Urban Air Mobility,” an unmanned fully electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) flying vehicle.
The company, founded by Henry Royce and Charles Stewart Rolls in 1904, will design the architecture for the 100 kW electric propulsion system and its power distribution and monitoring devices. Rob Watson, Director of Rolls-Royce Electric Company, expressed, “We are delighted to partner with Vertical Aerospace to provide electric technologies that will power the eVTOL. This exciting opportunity showcases our ambition to become a leading provider of sustainable total power. It holds the potential for a new market in urban air transportation, which has the potential to change how people and goods move from one city to another.”
Vertical Aerospace, based in Bristol, has tested various large-scale eVTOL prototypes, and the construction of the VA-X4 will begin in the UK this year, with its maiden flight scheduled for this year.
Electrification of the air is a significant part of Rolls-Royce’s sustainable development strategy. Notably, the company has extensive experience in supplying internal combustion engines for aircraft. The electric department plays a crucial role within the company, dedicated to developing sustainable, efficient, and quiet technologies for aeronautical, marine, land, and industrial applications.
Rolls-Royce has also confirmed partnerships with Tecnam and major global aviation companies to develop P-Volt, a dual electric motor for short and medium-range commercial aircraft powered by renewable energy.
