Rolls-Royce’s UltraFan technology demonstrator achieved successful test outcomes, the giant space company announced on May 18, dubbing it as a “historic moment” for the company.
1. UltraFan beats Trent XWB
The first tests confirmed the capability of the suite of technologies incorporated in the demonstrator, which are hoped to improve the efficiency of current and future aero-engines, the manufacturer said. Comparing to the current world’s most efficient large aero engine in service, Trent XWB, UltraFan delivers a 10% efficiency improvement.
In the near term, there are options to transfer technologies from the UltraFan development programme to current Trent engines, the company stated. In the longer term, UltraFan’s scalable technology from 25,000-110,000lb thrust offers the potential to power new narrowbody and widebody aircraft anticipated in the 2030s.
We are witnessing history in the making; a step-change in engine efficiency improvement.
Tufan Erginbilgic, Rolls-Royce’s CEO
“The UltraFan demonstrator is a game changer – the technologies we are testing as part of this programme have the capability to improve the engines of today as well as the engines of tomorrow. That is why this announcement is so important – we are witnessing history in the making; a step-change in engine efficiency improvement,” said Rolls-Royce’s CEO Tufan Erginbilgic.
2. Testing
Erginbilgic said the tests were run with sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), a combination that renders the experiment even more efficient for gas turbine engines — and a key element to push the industry’s target of Net Zero flight by 2050. The tests took place in in Derby, UK, and the 100% SAF used, derived primarily from waste-based sustainable feedstocks such as used cooking oils, and was provided by Air bp.
Testing the demonstrator was supported by the UK government through the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI), Innovate UK, the EU’s Clean Sky programmes and the State of Brandenburg in Germany.
3. Private-public partnership
It’s been 54 years since Rolls-Royce has tested a brand-new engine architecture and the company is praising its results as a joint achievement by the industry and the government. “Collaboration is key in driving the decarbonisation of air travel and the UltraFan programme is a great example of what can be achieved when government and industry come together with a common purpose,” said Erginbilgic.
UK Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch said: “This cutting-edge technology will help the transition towards a greener future for aviation while attracting further investment into the UK’s aerospace industry, helping grow the economy.”
