Rolls-Royce eVTOL // eVTOL Aircraft Overview by TransportUP

Quick Summary

The Rolls-Royce eVTOL was unveiled (digitally) at the Farnborough International Airshow 2018. The concept exists mainly to exhibit the Rolls-Royce plc propulsion system. When the final Rolls Royce eVTOL is released, the airframe may look entirely different. The unveiled propulsion system features front and rear tilting wings that can tilt between vertical flight mode and horizontal flight mode. Although certification and commercial model remain unknown, Rolls-Royce expects the technology to be ready in the 2020s.

Rolls Royce plc.

Stage of Development

Preliminary Design

Prototype Build

Flight Testing

Certification

Commercially Operating

Technical Details

Aircraft Type: Winged VTOL

Powerplant: Hybrid-electric. (An RR-250 gas turbine is used to provide supplemental electricity to the battery)

Range: ~500 miles

Top Speed: ~250 mph

Propeller Configuration: 6 lifting motors; tilting wings with stowable propellers during horizontal flight

Passenger/Payload Capacity: 4-5 Passengers

Autonomy Level: Undisclosed

Dimensions: Undisclosed

Other Information:

Operating Altitude:500-3000 ft AGL

Our Take on Rolls Royce

Rolls-Royce is a highly established company and an expert in producing propulsion systems for aviation. There is no doubt that Rolls-Royce will eventually develop a full eVTOL, or at least will be a prominent supplier for eVTOL propulsion. Rolls-Royce has not yet developed a commercial model for the eVTOL, but mentions that "The design could be adapted for personal transport, public transport, logistics and military applications and is based upon technologies that already exist or are currently under development.." Rolls-Royce predicts that the new tech could be in the air as early as the 2020s. Read more about Rolls-Royce's 'electrification' effort here.