British motor manufacturer Rolls-Royce has successfully tested a new electric motor intended to power regional transport aircraft. This is a 320 kW engine specifically designed to meet the needs of future battery-powered aircraft. The prototype was mounted on a test bench, turned on and run for the first time these days in Trondheim, Norway.

"The milestone achieved is a good example of the effective work being done by this international team leveraging the strengths and capabilities we have at Rolls-Royce, whilst at the same time using the type of local manufacturing capability we have here in Norway to provide quality to this prototype", said Sigurd Øvrebø, managing director of Rolls-Royce Electrical Norway.

The development of the aircraft engine is partially financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs. The air-cooled engine has been designed to ensure specific characteristics such as lightness, compactness and adaptability to different configurations, as well as satisfying the highest safety standards required in the aviation sector. The engine is intended for hybrid and electric aircraft with capacity from 9 to 19 passengers.