Rolls-Royce announced that it has begun the final phase of manufacturing its UltraFan, the world’s largest jet engine. The manufacturer noted that this powerplant will offer a set of technologies that will ensure the industry’s sustainability for decades.
The demonstration unit, which mounts a 140-inch (355-centimeter) diameter fan, is being assembled at the manufacturer’s facility in Derby (UK). Its first run will take place towards the end of the year and will be made on 100% sustainable aviation fuel. According to Rolls-Royce, the engine offers a 25% improvement in fuel consumption compared to the first-generation Trent engine.
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Chris Cholerton, president of Rolls-Royce’s civil division, said: «We are in the final stages of construction and will conduct the first test with 100% sustainable jet fuel later this year. The suite of technologies we are developing for this engine will create opportunities for improvements to our existing fleet and provide new capabilities for future propulsion systems.»
In the near term, the manufacturer plans to transfer the technologies developed for the program to existing Trent engines, seeking to achieve improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. In the longer term, UltraFan’s scalable modular technology, which will enable versions from 25,000 to 100,000 pounds of thrust (110 to 490 kN), offers the potential to power all types of aircraft.
The UltraFan will enable the use of sustainable fuels and will be adaptable to a potential future of hybrid or hydrogen-powered engines. Key engineering features include a new core architecture, fuel-efficient combustors, carbon and titanium fan blades, and ceramic matrix components (CMC) that allow higher operating pressures and temperatures.
