British engine maker Rolls-Royce has unveiled a concept electric vertical take-off and landing (EVTOL) vehicle at the Farnborough International Airshow 2018 and it could take to the skies as soon as the early 2020s, said a company statement.
 
The Rolls-Royce EVTOL project is part of the company's strategy to ‘champion electrification’ and realise ambition to become the world’s leading industrial technology firm. "It builds upon experience gained providing hybrid electric propulsion for trains, naval vessels and other applications, and our expertise in gas turbines, VTOL technology, systems analytics and aerospace regulation and certification," the statement said, adding "We would expect any commercial introduction of the EVTOL to involve working in collaboration with airframers and will seek a range of strategic partners for aspects of the electrical system."
 
The initial concept vehicle uses gas turbine technology to generate electricity to power six electric propulsors specially designed to have a low noise profile. It also has a battery for energy storage. In this hybrid-EVTOL configuration it could carry four or five passengers at speeds up to 250mph for approximately 500 miles, said the company.
 
Rob Watson, who heads up Rolls-Royce’s Electrical team, said: “Electrification is an exciting and inescapable trend across industrial technology markets and while the move to more electric propulsion will be gradual for us, it will ultimately be a revolution."
 
"Building on our existing expertise in electric technologies and aviation, Rolls-Royce is actively exploring a range of possible markets and applications for electric and hybrid electric flight. We are well placed to play a leading role in the emerging world of personal air mobility and will also look to work in collaboration with a range of partners, Rob Watson said. 
 
He added, “Rolls-Royce has a strong track record as pioneers in aviation. From developing the first turbo-prop and jet engines, to creating the world’s most efficient large civil aero-engine and vertical take-off and landing solutions, we have a very strong pedigree. As the third generation of aviation begins to dawn, it’s time to be pioneers yet again.”
 

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The Rolls-Royce EVTOL concept
1. Flexible aircraft platform for personal, commercial passenger, cargo and military applications
2. Tilting wings for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL)
3. At cruise height the propellers on the wing fold away to reduce drag and cabin noise, the craft then uses the two rear propellers for thrust
4. Versatile 4/5 seat cabin
5. Range 500 miles, cruise speed 250 mph
6. M250-based hybrid propulsion system
7. The M250 hybrid electric engine will deliver approx. 500kW electrical power
8. High energy density battery to provide additional climb power

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9. Six propulsion/lift motors with embedded power electronics
10. Offering customers new capability at vehicle, system and component level