Tecnam's P-Volt aircraft will be powered by a new electric propulsion system being developed by Rolls-Royce. The new model is based on the Italian manufacturer's existing piston-powered P2012 aircraft and will support the Norwegian air transport industry's goal of going carbon-neutral by 2040.
Wideroe and Rolls-Royce pursue all-electric aircraft based on
Tecnam design
Norwegian regional carrier Wideroe has linked up
with Rolls-Royce and aeronautics firm Tecnam to develop an all-electric
passenger aircraft within the next five years.
The aircraft would be suited to the commuter air
transport market and enter service in 2026.
Wideroe has previously expressed interest in
electric regional aircraft projects such as a 19-seat model proposal from Heart
Aerospace.
Norwegian authorities have been active in
pushing forward electric aircraft programmes with the country’s air navigation
service and civil aviation administration seeking domestic operations with such
aircraft by 2030 – and a complete domestic transition to electric air travel by
2040.
Rolls-Royce says its tie-up with Wideroe will
expand on its prior research with the airline on sustainable aviation, while it
already has a partnership with Tecnam on an all-electric programme called the
P-Volt.
The P-Volt is a twin-engined high-wing aircraft
based on the Tecnam P2012 Traveller, which will be capable of carrying nine
passengers and serve commercial, cargo or medical evacuation roles.
Wideroe chief executive Stein Nilsen says the
short take-off and landing airports in Norway are an “ideal” setting for
zero-emission technology.
“This aircraft shows how quickly new technology
can and will be developed, and that we are on track with our ambition of flying
with zero emissions around 2025,” he says.
Chief strategy officer Andreas Aks adds that the
airline is “humble” regarding the obstacles to putting such an aircraft into
service.
“Our mission is to have all new capabilities,
processes and procedures required for a zero-emissions operator, designed and
approved in parallel with the aircraft being developed and certified,” he says.
The interest in the P-Volt, notably from
regional airlines, has been “incredible”, says Tecnam product development chief
Fabio Russo, adding that the aircraft will “perfectly fit” the scope of the
programme.
Rolls-Royce Electrical director Rob Watson says
the tie-up will reinforce its partnerships with both Wideroe and Tecnam,
respectively focusing on airline requirements and the design and manufacturing
aspects.
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