The Rolls-Royce's "Spirit of Innovation" has hit a top speed of 387.4 MPH, smashing the speed record for electric airplanes. It had the top speed of 345.4 MPH and the lowest time to a 3,000 meter (9,843 feet) altitude of 202 seconds. The current record of 213 MPH is held by the Extra 330LE, which is powered by aSiemens.
Rolls-Royce conducted the tests on November 16th. The trials are submitted to the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale, the body in charge of world aviation records. The plane only made its maiden flight in September, so it could go even faster with more time.
The canopy is pushed way back and the airplane looks as fast as it goes. It has a 400 kW (500 HP) motor. Rolls-Royce said it uses the "most power-dense propulsion battery pack ever assembled in aviation."
Current batteries are 50 times less energy dense than jet fuel so electric airplanes aren't practical. They have some promise for very short trips, like a 30 minute jaunt between Vancouver and Victoria in Canada. Electric motor powered airplanes are ideal for time-to-altitude record attempts because they retain full power as the plane climbs.
