The Rolls-Royce UltraFan technology demonstrator incorporates a suite of advanced technologies that aim to improve the efficiency of current and future aero-engines.
Rolls-Royce, the renowned aero-engine manufacturer, has achieved a significant milestone in aviation technology with the successful completion of the first tests of its UltraFan technology demonstrator. The tests were conducted at Rolls-Royce’s facility in Derby, UK, using 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This achievement marks a historic moment for Rolls-Royce, as it is the first time in 54 years that the company has tested a brand-new engine architecture, showcasing the power of industry and government collaboration.
The UltraFan technology demonstrator incorporates a suite of advanced technologies that aim to improve the efficiency of current and future aero-engines. It offers a remarkable 10% efficiency improvement over the Trent XWB, which is already recognized as the world’s most efficient large aero engine in service. The success of the demonstrator program paves the way for the transfer of these technologies to current Trent engines, providing customers with enhanced availability, reliability, and efficiency.
Looking to the future, UltraFan’s scalable technology, ranging from approximately 25,000 to 110,000 pounds of thrust, holds the potential to power new narrowbody and widebody aircraft expected in the 2030s. This opens up exciting possibilities for the aviation industry to further improve its environmental footprint and fuel efficiency.
Tufan Erginbilgic, CEO of Rolls-Royce said, “The UltraFan demonstrator is a game-changer – the technologies we are testing as part of this program 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. When combined with Sustainable Aviation Fuels, more efficient gas turbine engines will be key to hitting the industry’s target of Net Zero flight by 2050. Today we are closer to achieving this ambition. 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.”
Key engineering features of the demonstrator include:
· A new, proven, Advance3 core architecture, combined with our ALECSys lean burn combustion system, to deliver maximum fuel burn efficiency and low emissions.
· Carbon titanium fan blades and a composite casing.
· A geared design that delivers efficient power for the high-thrust, high bypass ratio engines of the future. The power gearbox has run at 64MW, an aerospace record.
The recent tests took place at Testbed 80, the world’s largest and most advanced indoor aero-engine testing facility. Notably, the use of 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel derived from sustainable feedstocks like used cooking oils underscores Rolls-Royce’s commitment to decarbonizing air travel and achieving the industry’s target of Net Zero flight by 2050. The partnership with Air bp, who provided the sustainable fuel, highlights the importance of collaboration in driving the transition to a greener future.
The UltraFan program has received significant support from the UK Government through the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) and Innovate UK, as well as the EU’s Clean Sky programs, LuFo, and the State of Brandenburg in Germany. Kemi Badenoch, UK Business and Trade Secretary, emphasized the positive impact of this cutting-edge technology on the country’s aerospace industry and the economy as a whole.
Kemi Badenoch, Business and Trade Secretary, UK 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. I’m proud that the Government has backed this initiative through our Aerospace Technology Institute programme, and we will continue to work with manufacturers like Rolls-Royce as we seek to grow the UK’s share of the global aerospace market.”
The UltraFan technology demonstrator has been a decade-long endeavor, with its initial concept unveiled in 2014. It represents a revolutionary design architecture, incorporating a geared system that sets it apart from other industry players. This flexibility allows Rolls-Royce to scale the technology as required by its customers and offer a diverse portfolio of propulsion solutions for future aircraft.
Gary Elliott, Chief Executive Officer, Aerospace Technology Institute said, “Rolls-Royce’s UltraFan programme has achieved a huge step forward in terms of the fuel efficiency of aircraft engines. The technology developed within the programme has greatly improved our understanding of how to increase engine performance while reducing environmental impact. It is a programme that puts the UK at the forefront of the global market, and is absolutely critical for the future of the UK aircraft engine industry. Our congratulations to the Rolls-Royce team for the successful tests of this exciting technology demonstrator.”
Key engineering features of the UltraFan demonstrator include the Advance3 core architecture, ALECSys lean burn combustion system for maximum fuel burn efficiency and low emissions, carbon titanium fan blades, and a composite casing. Notably, the geared design of the engine’s power gearbox has set an aerospace record by running at 64MW.
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Rolls-Royce’s achievement with the UltraFan technology demonstrator marks a significant step toward a more sustainable and efficient future for aviation. With its dedication to innovation and collaboration, the company is at the forefront of shaping the global market and driving the transformation of the UK aircraft engine industry.
