FARNBOROUGH, U.K — The British engine-maker Rolls-Royce has entered the final build phase for the world’s largest aero-engine technology demonstrator, UltraFan, providing a suite of technologies to support sustainable air travel for decades to come.
The demonstrator engine, with a fan diameter of 140 inches, is being completed at our facility in Derby, UK, prior to its first run – on 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel – later this year. It offers a 25% fuel efficiency improvement compared with the first generation of Trent engines.
UltraFan supports a variety of sustainability solutions. In the nearer term, there are options to transfer technologies from the UltraFan development program to current Trent engines to deliver even greater fuel efficiency and reductions in emissions.
In the longer term, UltraFan’s scalable technology from 25,000-100,000lb thrust offers the potential to power new narrowbody and widebody aircraft anticipated in the 2030s. UltraFan provides a platform for the use of a diverse range of energy options and power systems – including current jet fuel and sustainable aviation fuels, as well as future potential for hybrid-electric and hydrogen.
