Composites-intensive UltraFan aeroengine achieves full power milestone

Rolls-Royce (London, U.K.) has successfully run its UltraFan technology demonstrator to maximum power at its facility in Derby, U.K. The initial stage of the test was conducted using 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

The UltraFan demonstrator was successfully tested for the first time earlier this year. Since then, the team has been gradually increasing the power as part of the rigorous testing regime and the demonstrator has performed in line with the company’s expectations. Test results will provide valuable learning and data will be used to continue analyzing the aeroengine.

UltraFan delivers a 10% efficiency improvement over Rolls-Royce’s Trent XWB, which is claimed to be the world’s most efficient large aeroengine in service. UltraFan’s scalable technology from ~25,000-110,000 pound thrust also offers the potential to power new narrowbody and widebody aircraft anticipated in the 2030s.

Moreover, as part of the UltraFan development program, Rolls-Royce has identified a number of technologies that are potentially transferable to its current Trent engines, which will provide customers with greater availability, reliability and efficiency.

“We estimate that to reach net-zero flying by 2050, a combination of highly efficient, latest-generation gas turbines such as UltraFan operating on 100% SAF are likely to contribute around 80% of the total solution, which is why this announcement is such an important milestone for Rolls-Royce and the wider industry,” says Simon Burr, group director of engineering, technology and safety at Rolls-Royce plc.

UltraFan has been a decade in the making, with the concept unveiled publicly in 2014. It is a fundamentally different design architecture to that within the approximately 4,200 Rolls-Royce Civil large engines currently in service, as it incorporates a geared design that has not been produced at this size, according to the company. Read “Rolls-Royce starts manufacture of world's largest fan blades, made with composites, for UltraFan demonstrator” for details relating to composite components and key elements in Rolls-Royce’s sustainability strategy.