FutureFlight
Rolls-Royce Achieves 1MW Mark in Hybrid-Electric Propulsion Testing
The aircraft engines manufacturer is aiming to generate 2.5 MW of power from its beer-keg-sized Power Generation System being developed to power new regional airliners.
Rolls-Royce PGS1 testing
Rolls-Royce has already achieved a 1MW output from its hybrid-electric Power Generation System testing, as it aims to generate 2.5 MW of power to support new propulsion systems for commercial aircraft. (Image: Rolls-Royce)

Rolls-Royce says the hybrid-electric propulsion system it is developing for possible use on future regional airliners has achieved a key milestone of generating more than a megawatt (1 MW) of power in ground tests. Earlier this year, the UK-based aircraft engines manufacturer started testing the Power Generation System 1 (PGS1) with the goal of generating 2.5 MW, with further tests set to continue at the company’s renovated Testbed 108 facility in Bristol, UK.

The generator, which Rolls-Royce says is about the size of a beer keg, incorporates one of the group’s AE2100 turbofan engines, as well as special controls and a thermal management system. According to the company, the 1MW power generated in tests so far is sufficient to continuously power around 1,000 homes.