The power gearbox can transmit more power than an entire grid of Formula 1 cars when running at maximum power.
Rolls Royce UltraFan technology demonstrator program achieved another milestone as the power gearbox has been shipped to the UK where the first UltraFan engine demonstrator is being assembled. The power gearbox has set a world aerospace power record on a test. The power gearbox has a planetary design and can transmit more power than an entire grid of Formula 1 cars when running at maximum power. On test, it has delivered 87,000 horsepower or 64 megawatts – enough to power a medium-sized city.
Chris Cholerton, President of Rolls-Royce Civil Aerospace said, “This is a tremendous moment for everyone on the UltraFan program as we take another step forward with the dispatch of the power gearbox. I’m proud that we are creating better, more efficient gas turbines which will be an essential part of air travel for decades to come.”
UltraFan offers a step-change in gas turbine sustainability, saving 25 percent fuel compared to the first generation of Rolls-Royce Trent engines. UltraFan, which is scalable for narrowbody or widebody aircraft, is a key element of Rolls-Royce’s commitment to making aviation more sustainable. Gas turbines will continue to be the bedrock of long-haul aviation for many years, and UltraFan’s efficiency will help improve the economics of an industry transition to more sustainable aviation fuels, which are likely to be more expensive than traditional jet fuel in the short term.
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The engine demonstrator – the largest engine in the world with a fan diameter of 140 inches – will go on test in Derby, UK, this year and its first run will be on 100 per cent Sustainable Aviation Fuel.
