Multiple media reports say Rolls-Royce has elected to shut down its electrical propulsion unit, Rolls-Royce Electrical engines division, having failed to find a buyer for the business.
In November 2023, the company announced its decision to exit the electrical propulsion sector and that it was looking for a buyer. The company has developed three propulsion and electrical distribution systems aimed at the eVTOL and regional electric aircraft sector: the 150 kW EPU eVTOL engine, the 320 kW EPU regional aircraft engine and and On-board power distribution system.
In May 2024, Vertical Aerospace announced it had reached an agreement with Rolls-Royce for the engine company to compensate Vertical for pulling out of the programme,
In September 2023 the company announced it had developed a small gas turbine to power hybrid-electric flight and that it had successfully completed its first fuel burn. “The engine has been designed using novel combustion technology to produce ultra-low emissions and this significant achievement confirms the effectiveness of the compact, power-dense turbine that will be integrated into a light-weight turbogenerator system,” said the company in a press release. “The complete turbogenerator system is being developed for the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) market. This includes electrical vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) or electric short take-off and landing (eSTOL) aircraft for Urban Air Mobility (UAM) and commuter aircraft applications up to 19 seats. The gas turbine under test also has potential applications within helicopter, auxiliary power unit (APU) and defence markets.”
Urban Air Mobility News has asked Rolls-Royce whether this programme will still be maintained following its exit from the eVTOL sector – this story will be updated once a reply has been received.
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(Image: Rolls-Royce)