LONDON - Rolls-Royce has reiterated its skepticism toward open-rotor engine technology, opting instead to advance its ducted UltraFan 30 as a candidate for future narrowbody aircraft. The company unveiled a mock-up of the UltraFan 30 on Feb. 26, emphasizing its preference for a more conventional ducted design over the open-rotor concept being explored by CFM International and Airbus.

Alan Newby, Rolls-Royce’s director of research and technology, cited extensive past research, including wind tunnel tests and external validation,as the basis for the company’s stance, stating that while open-rotor designs offer high fuel efficiency, their integration with airframes presents significant challenges.

Newby highlighted concerns over noise attenuation, blade containment, and aerodynamic interactions with the wing, all of which could add weight and complexity. He acknowledged that open-rotor systems theoretically improve fuel burn but questioned their practicality, noting that risks may only become apparent late in the development process.

Airbus and CFM plan to test their RISE open-rotor system on a modified A380 to assess integration and performance, but Rolls-Royce remains unconvinced. The company asserts that its ducted UltraFan 30 balances performance and risk more effectively, closing the efficiency gap with open-rotor designs to within a few percentage points.

Source: Flightglobal
Associated URL: https://www.flightglobal.com/aerospace/rolls-royce-remains-unconvinced-that-open-rotor-benefit-outweighs-integration-risk/166482.article

INDIANAPOLIS - Rolls-Royce has completed altitude and operability testing for the F130 engine, advancing the U.S. Air Force’s B-52J Stratofortress Commercial Engine Replacement Program (CERP). The recent evaluations took place at the Arnold Engineering Development Complex in Tullahoma, Tennessee, where engineers validated the engine’s performance under simulated mission conditions.

The testing campaign included altitude evaluations to simulate long-duration strategic missions and operability tests using distortion screens to replicate turbulent airflow. Rolls-Royce also conducted Integrated Drive Generator testing alongside Boeing to verify the system's electrical power stability. According to Lt. Col. Timothy Cleaver, the Air Force program manager, the data gathered during this phase gives the service the confidence to proceed into test aircraft modification and upcoming flight testing. The program will next move to further system integration and dual-pod testing at NASA’s Stennis Space Center.

The F130 engine, a military derivative of the commercial BR725 business jet engine, is slated to replace the bomber fleet's aging Pratt & Whitney TF33 engines. Following the completion of the program's critical design review in late 2024, the F130 design features a fully interchangeable dual-pod configuration. This marks a shift from the aircraft's current left- and right-specific engine setup, a design change intended to simplify logistics and line maintenance. Once the testing phases conclude, Rolls-Royce will manufacture and assemble the engines at its facility in Indianapolis.

Source: Rolls-Royce
Associated URL: https://www.rolls-royce.com/media/press-releases/2026/24-02-2026-rr-completes-key-f130-altitude-and-operability-testing-advancing-us-air-force-b-52j-program.aspx

SAN DIEGO, CA - GE Aerospace and Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. have won a joint U.S. Air Force contract for $12.4M to design an engine to power small Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). The USAF has prioritized the development of high performing and low-cost engines to enable the production of small CCAs to boost the firepower and reach of its combat aircraft fleet.

The initial phase of the program will complete the preliminary design of the GEK1500 engine to meet demanding performance requirements while achieving "aggressive" cost targets. The GEK1500 program is an outgrowth of Kratos' GEK800 cruise missile engine design, with lessons learned from recent GEK800 altitude testing to inform the design of the GEK1500 - improving thrust, power generation, and lifecycle costs. The GEK1500 is a 1,500-lb thrust jet engine that could potentially power unmanned aerial systems (UAS), collaborative combat aircraft (CCAs), and cruise missiles.

In June 2025, Kratos and GE Aerospace announced the signing of a formal teaming agreement to advance propulsion technologies for the next generation of affordable unmanned aerial systems and CCA-type aircraft. A second formal teaming agreement will cover development of the GEK1500.

This collaboration builds on a 2024 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance the development and production of small, cost-effective engines for unmanned platforms.

Source: GE Aerospace
Associated URL: https://www.geaerospace.com/news/press-releases/ge-aerospace-and-kratos-win-us-air-force-award-design-engine-expendable-combat