The World's Fastest Electric Plane
Bremont Launches 'ionBIRD' Timepiece as the Company Becomes Official Timing pPartner for Rolls-Royce's Groundbreaking World Record Attempt
Flight has inspired and benefited us all. The question today is how aviation meets the demands of a growing, more connected society with sustainable, net zero carbon power. A race for change has started and Rolls-Royce is pioneering this next generation, and indeed revolution, in aviation. Bremont is teaming up with Rolls-Royce to become the Official Timing Partner for its all-electric speed record attempt. A dedicated team has been developing the plane, aptly called the ‘Spirit of Innovation’ and are aiming for the zero-emissions aircraft to be the fastest in history. Rolls-Royce is aiming to surpass the current record of 213mph by reaching speeds over 300mph early 2021.
Bremont was involved in the design of the plane’s cockpit which will feature a Bremont stopwatch, and the company has machined canopy release parts from its Henley-on-Thames manufacturing facility. Bremont is also releasing a new mechanical chronometer called the ‘Bremont ionBird’ to celebrate the partnership, which the test pilots will be wearing for the development and record-breaking flights.
Spirit of Innovation
Aside from being a pinnacle of engineering, ‘Spirit of Innovation’ marks a partnership between two global companies with British roots dedicated to precision engineering. Rolls-Royce has an incredible history of supporting record flying speed attempts dating back to the remarkable Schneider Trophies of the early 1930’s when R J Mitchell’s Supermarine S.6B flew to victory powered by the state-of-the-art Rolls-Royce ‘R’ engine. Bremont has previously paid homage to these incredible achievements with its Supermarine range of diving watches. This new attempt, to become the fastest electric aircraft is aiming to take place in early 2021 with a zero-emission aircraft unlike anything the world has ever seen.
Passion for Precision Engineering
Nick English, Co-Founder of Bremont, “The countless synergies in this project really do beggar belief. The passion for precision engineering, British manufacturing and aviation to name but a few. It is an extraordinary privilege to be working with the wonderful Rolls-Royce team on this project. As pilots ourselves, we (my brother Giles and I) have known Phill, the Rolls-Royce test pilot, for many years and Rolls-Royce owns the Spitfire that our father operated when he was alive. The electrification of the air is such an important milestone in these challenging climatic times, and to be playing a small part is very rewarding indeed.”