Rolls-Royce claims to have developed the world's fastest all-electric aircraft

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around Rolls-Royce's announcement of the "Spirit of Innovation," claimed to be the world's fastest all-electric aircraft. Participants explore various aspects of the aircraft, including its design, features, and implications for aviation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants discuss the aircraft's design features, particularly the wheel fairings, which are intended to reduce drag during flight.
  • There are observations about the aesthetic qualities of the aircraft, with some participants describing it as a work of art and comparing its lines to classical architecture.
  • One participant notes the potential implications of the aircraft's heavy battery weight on its design, particularly regarding its stability and appearance.
  • Several participants express personal connections to aviation, with one mentioning their daughter’s interest in flying and pushing boundaries in the field.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the innovative aspects of the aircraft's design and its aesthetic appeal. However, there are differing views on the implications of its weight and design choices, as well as the personal anecdotes shared regarding aviation interests.

Contextual Notes

Some technical aspects regarding the aircraft's performance and design features remain unexplored, such as the specific innovations in the battery pack and their impact on flight dynamics.

Who May Find This Useful

Aviation enthusiasts, engineers interested in electric aircraft technology, and those curious about advancements in aerospace design may find this discussion relevant.

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https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/...st-electric-aircraft-intl-scli-gbr/index.html

London (CNN) — British aero engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce says it has developed the "world's fastest all-electric aircraft," according to a statement from the company.

The aircraft -- dubbed the "Spirit of Innovation" -- attained a maximum speed of 387.4 mph (623km/h) in flight, which Rolls-Royce said it believed makes it "the world's fastest all-electric vehicle."

Rolls-Royce said in a press statement the Spirit of Innovation set three world records in total, including reaching 345.4 mph over 1.86 miles on 16 November. The company also said the vehicle achieved the fastest time to ascend 3000 meters by one minute, with a time of 202 seconds.

It looks like it has several innovations to help set these speed and time-to-altitude records, including the battery pack:

Electric Plane Speed Record.JPG
 
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Anybody know what that thing is that is sticking down in the 2nd picture below the engine compartment? It doesn't look like it's extended in the first picture while in flight...
 
berkeman said:
Anybody know what that thing is that is sticking down in the 2nd picture below the engine compartment? It doesn't look like it's extended in the first picture while in flight...
Those seem to be the two covers of the wheels.
Each of them should pivot from the center line of the airplane out and up until getting flush with the lower surface of the wing.
Note how the half-cover attached to the right hand landing gear only reaches up to the top of the wheel.

I see a resemblance between this electrical plane and the shape of the Howard Hughes H1 Racer.

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H-1overflight.jpg


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I don't know how fast it is, but those lines are beautiful. It's a work of art.
 
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Lnewqban said:
Those seem to be the two covers of the wheels.
Ah, perfect! Thanks :smile:
 
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Oh great, now she's going to push the envelope in a different direction...
 
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berkeman said:
Oh great, now she's going to push the envelope in a different direction...
Yes. That's what she does. Must have some of my DNA.
 
berkeman said:
Oh great, now she's going to push the envelope in a different direction...
Of course! That's how our species progresses!
 
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Lnewqban said:
Those seem to be the two covers of the wheels.
Correct, commonly called fairings; intended to reduce drag while in flight.

anorlunda said:
I don't know how fast it is, but those lines are beautiful. It's a work of art.
My first thought, also. The 'lines' of the aircraft outer skin in the first photo remind me of the gentle swelling (entasis) of Grecian columns in classical architecture.

The second photo taken from behind the grounded aircraft make the airplane appear tail heavy, particularly the large vertical stabilizer (tail fin). Compensation for heavy batteries that, unlike liquid fuels, do not reduce in weight during operation?