Rolls-Royce developed the ACCEL as a racing aircraft to gain the all-electric air speed record, targeting over 260 kn (480 km/h).

[3] The existing electric aircraft record at that time was 182 kn (337 km/h), set in 2017 by a Siemens powered Extra 330.

[2] Designed at Gloucestershire Airport, the project is partly funded by the UK government and involves partners such as electric motor and controller manufacturer YASA Limited and aviation start-up Electroflight.

[2] On 15 September 2021, Rolls-Royce announced the aircraft, named Spirit of Innovation, had successfully completed its first flight, flying from MoD Boscombe Down for fifteen minutes.

[5] The speeds achieved were accepted as world records for electric aircraft by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale in January 2022.