Rolls-Royce has developed one wicked flying machine in the Spirit of Innovation. This is the fastest electric aeroplane in the world, but it was built not for speed as much as it was a innovation test bed for electric power technology. In November last year it broke 300 knots using a 500-hp electric powertrain. Yes, it's small and can seat only one person, but the power output shows aviation is taking another step towards a viable electric engine for GA.
