Rolls-Royce completes first fuel burn of small gas turbine for hybrid-electric flight

The engine has been designed using novel combustion technology to produce ultra-low emissions and this achievement confirms the effectiveness of the compact, power-dense turbine that will be integrated into a light-weight turbogenerator system.

The complete turbogenerator system is being developed for the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) market, which 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 with up to 19 seats.

According to Rolls-Royce, the gas turbine under test also has potential applications within helicopter, auxiliary power unit (APU) and defense markets.

In a statement, Matheu Parr, customer director, electrical, said: “This significant achievement follows the fast-paced development time of the new gas turbine from concept freeze to ‘pass to test’ in under two years. The turbogenerator system will enable our customers to extend the routes that electric flight can support and means more passengers will be able to travel further on low and potentially net zero emissions aircraft.”