Rolls-Royce, the renowned aero-engine manufacturer, has recently concluded the initial tests of its revolutionary UltraFan technology demonstrator at its facility in Derby, UK. Notably, these groundbreaking tests were conducted exclusively using 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), marking a significant step towards a more environmentally conscious aviation industry.
For Rolls-Royce, this momentous achievement represents a remarkable feat, as it signifies the first time in over half a century that the company has evaluated an entirely new engine architecture. This milestone serves as undeniable evidence of what can be accomplished when industry and governments collaborate synergistically to drive progress.
By confirming the capability of the comprehensive suite of technologies integrated into the demonstrator, Rolls-Royce has taken a momentous stride towards enhancing the efficiency of current and future aero-engines. The UltraFan technology delivers an impressive 10% improvement in efficiency compared to the already highly efficient Trent XWB, which currently stands as the world's most proficient large aero engine in service.
Looking ahead, there exist enticing prospects to transfer the advancements made in the UltraFan development program to the existing Trent engines. Such a transfer would provide Rolls-Royce customers with even greater availability, reliability, and efficiency, amplifying the benefits derived from this remarkable innovation.
In the long term, the scalable nature of UltraFan's technology, spanning from approximately 25,000 to 110,000 pounds of thrust, holds the potential to power future narrowbody and widebody aircraft, anticipated to emerge in the 2030s.
Speaking on this significant accomplishment, Tufan Erginbilgic, the CEO of Rolls-Royce plc, stated, "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." Erginbilgic emphasized the transformative impact of this milestone, underscoring its potential to contribute to the industry's ambitious target of achieving Net Zero flight by 2050 when combined with Sustainable Aviation Fuels. He further highlighted the importance of collaboration in driving the decarbonization of air travel, emphasizing the UltraFan program as a prime example of successful alignment between government and industry.
These momentous tests took place in Testbed 80, the largest and most advanced indoor aero-engine testing facility worldwide. The utilization of 100% SAF, primarily derived from sustainable feedstocks like used cooking oils, was made possible through the partnership with Air bp, a key supplier.
The comprehensive testing of the demonstrator represents the culmination of numerous years of dedicated work, generously supported by the UK Government through the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI), Innovate UK, the EU's Clean Sky programs, as well as LuFo and the State of Brandenburg in Germany.
