Rolls-Royce’s team in Hungary, Italian aircraft manufacturer Tecnam and Austrian engine manufacturer Rotax have made significant progress in revolutionising aviation and making it more sustainable. Following several successful ground tests, a unique hybrid-powered experimental aircraft took to the skies for the first time on 21 December 2021, the first in the world to be powered by an integrated parallel hybrid propulsion system. The test flights proved that a small aircraft equipped with a hybrid-electric propulsion system is more efficient and energy-saving, using up to 20 percent less fuel than a conventional internal combustion engine-powered aircraft of the same size. This results in significant emissions reductions.
The design, manufacture and integration of the electric propulsion system, electric motor, inverter, battery and control system for the Tecnam modified P2010 aircraft was the responsibility of the Hungarian Rolls-Royce team.
The advanced technology built into the aircraft enables fuel consumption and emissions reduction, as well as flight analysis, as the system collects comprehensive data in real time during flight to ensure optimal operation. The creation of the propulsion system also reflects Rolls-Royce’s global sustainability objectives to contribute to the company’s goal of carbon neutrality in aviation and the aviation industry as a whole by 2050.
The H3PS (High power, Hybrid powertrain and High-scalability aircraft) is one of the major projects of the Rolls-Royce Hungary team in which a flight test has been successfully carried out. The H3PS programme, which was completed with outstanding results, also strengthens the long-term collaboration with Tecnam, as the two companies joined forces to bring to market an all-electric commuter aircraft.
“The successful maiden flight of the H3PS aircraft is a pioneering achievement for the Hungarian Rolls-Royce team in the development of hybrid-electric flight. The programme has demonstrated our ability to design, manufacture and install a fully integrated system and has provided further flight experience in hybrid-electric flight. The knowledge gained here will be used by Rolls-Royce Hungary in future international projects to create higher performance hybrid propulsion systems capable of powering a 19-seat commuter aircraft,” said Zoltán Koltai, Head of Global Manufacturing, Rolls-Royce Electrical.
“Thanks to H3PS, we have further increased our competencies in the development of pure electric and hybrid-electric power conversion and propulsion systems for aviation. Our Hungarian colleagues are working as part of an international team to revolutionise aviation, such as the development of an all-electric propulsion system for an eVTOL (electrical Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft. Rolls-Royce is committed to achieving sustainable carbon neutral aviation,” said Dr György Balázs Gergely, Managing Director of Rolls-Royce Hungary.
“The successful flight test of the experimental aircraft is a pioneering achievement for the team in the development of hybrid-electric aviation. The collaboration with Tecnam and Rotax has been extremely beneficial and the joint work has further enhanced our capabilities in developing pure electric and hybrid-electric power conversion and propulsion systems for the advanced aviation market. Rolls-Royce is committed to investing in technology solutions that enable sustainable aviation,” said Rob Watson, President, Rolls-Royce Electrical.
Source: Rolls-Royce
More articles you may be interested in...
News & Articles Points of interest
Autonomous flight versus human control – Which way is the future?
News & Articles Propulsion-Fuel
China’s hypersonic leap: A propulsion breakthrough poised to reshape global aerospace
The race to master hypersonic flight travel exceeding five times the speed of sound, or Mach 5 has long captivated the imaginations of engineers and military strategists alike. On March 23, 2025, the South China Morning Post (SCMP) unveiled a development that could tilt this high-stakes contest decisively in favor...>>>...READ MORE
Air taxi News & Articles
New business models – The role of electric air taxis in urban transport
Electric air taxis, or electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, are emerging as a potential solution to urban transport...>>>...READ MORE
Electric airplane News & Articles
Pelican 2 unveiled: the world’s largest autonomous spraying aircraft
Additional aircraft News & Articles
Regent Craft begins testing all-electric seaglider
Drones News & Articles
The hydrogen-powered military drone is launched
Drones News & Articles
Delivery by drones in 2025
EVTOL & VTOL News & Articles
Archer Aviation and Palantir Technologies unite to forge the AI-driven future of aviation
On March 13, 2025, a groundbreaking collaboration was unveiled in Santa Clara, California, as Archer...>>>...READ MORE
moreNews & Articles Propulsion-Fuel
Evolution and Implications of Battery Charging Technology for evtol and Electric Aircraft in 2025
Additional aircraft News & Articles
Bio-inspired drone technology: pioneering Mars exploration
EVTOL & VTOL News & Articles
Evolution of eVTOLs and electric aircraft in 2025: A comprehensive analysis
The year 2025 marks a pivotal period for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft...>>>...READ MORE
EVTOL & VTOL News & Articles
Joby and Virgin Atlantic announce groundbreaking partnership
News & Articles Points of interest
Artificial intelligence outperforms human pilots in simulated air combat
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming military technology, with significant advancements in autonomous combat systems...>>>...READ MORE
moreFlying Cars News & Articles
Will we have flying cars before fully self-driving cars ?
The race to bring science fiction to life is heating up but it might not be self-driving cars that reach the finish line first. While the dream of autonomous vehicles navigating our roads has faced significant technological and regulatory hurdles, another futuristic concept flying cars appears to be gaining ground....>>>...READ MORE