The first test of the demonstrator is expected to take place in early 2023 and will be operated using 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel.
Rolls-Royce announced that it has finished construction on its UltraFan technology demonstrator and is getting ready to test it. A significant programme milestone was reached when the demonstrator engine was moved from the build workshop to Derby, UK’s Testbed 80, where it was mounted in anticipation of testing.
Early in the following year, the demonstrator’s first test is anticipated, and sustainable aviation fuel will be used throughout.
“Seeing the UltraFan demonstrator come together and get ready for test in Testbed 80 is a great way to end the year. We have all been waiting for this moment, which is such an important milestone for the programme and for the team who have worked on it. The next stage will be to see UltraFan run for the first time on 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel in 2023, proving the technology is ready to support more sustainable flight in the future,” said Chris Cholerton, President, Rolls-Royce Civil Aerospace.
The UltraFan demonstrator has a 140-inch fan diameter and offers a 25% increase in fuel efficiency over the Trent engine’s first generation while integrating a brand-new engine design with a variety of technologies to support sustainable air travel for decades to come.
For the transition to net zero aviation, UltraFan offers a range of sustainability solutions. There are options for transferring technologies from the UltraFan development programme to the current Trent engines in the near future to provide improved fuel efficiency and emissions reductions. Long-term fuel efficiency gains of up to 10% are possible with UltraFan’s scalable technology from 25,000 to 110,000 lb thrust for both narrowbody and widebody aircraft.
The UltraFan demonstrator’s size and technical complexity were specifically accommodated by Testbed 80, the largest and smartest testbed in the world. Several hours of experimental engine testing have already been completed since it was first used in 2020.
Read more stories…. Pratt & Whitney PW4000-94 engine hits milestone logging 35 years and 150 million flight hours
The UK’s Aerospace Technology Institute and Innovate UK, the EU’s Clean Sky programmes, along with LuFo and the German State of Brandenburg, have all supported the UltraFan technology demonstrator programme.
