LONDON - Rolls-Royce has started power runs of the world’s most powerful aerospace gearbox for the first time, marking another significant step in the development of its new UltraFan® engine design.
UltraFan, which will be available from 2025, will offer a 25% fuel efficiency improvement over the first generation of Rolls-Royce Trent engine, with power scalable for widebody or narrowbody aircraft.
The gearbox is a vital component of the UltraFan design, offering efficient power over a wide range of thrust levels, the ability to drive larger fan sizes, while also reducing weight.
The tests are taking place at the Rolls-Royce Power Gearbox (PGB) facility in Dahlewitz, Germany, where the gearbox will ultimately run at up to 100,000 horsepower - the equivalent of more than 100 Formula 1 cars. The tests follow successful runs on an Attitude Rig last year.
Rolls-Royce engineering expertise in UltraFan delivers:
-- Maximum fuel burn efficiency and low emissions through a new engine core architecture
-- Reduced weight via a CTi Fan System of carbon/titanium fan blades and a composite casing
-- Increased efficiency through advanced ceramic matrix composites that are heat resistant and require less cooling air
-- Efficient power for high-bypass ratio engines of the future through a geared design
The Attitude Rig tests allow engineers to simulate the effects of the gearbox being on the wing of an aircraft in flight, through phases such as take-off, climb, descent and landing or banking.
Rolls-Royce is working in partnership with Liebherr-Aerospace, through our Aerospace Transmission Technologies joint venture, to develop manufacturing capability and capacity for the new power gearbox. Rolls-Royce leads the design definition and design integration of the power gearbox, as well as testing activities.
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