Rolls-Royce has reached another milestone in its UltraFan engine program after dispatching its power gearbox from Germany to the UK. The PGB will be integrated into the first UltraFan engine demonstrator for testing.

Rolls-Royce dispatches UltraFan gearbox

Aerospace company Rolls-Royce has moved one step closer to its first UltraFan demonstrator test after dispatching its power gearbox (PGB). The company sent the PGB from its facility in Dahlewitz, Germany to its engine testbed plant in Derby, UK.

Chris Cholerton, President of Rolls-Royce Civil Aerospace, said,

"This is a tremendous moment for everyone on the UltraFan program as we take another step forward with the dispatch of the power gearbox."

UltraFan Rolls-Royce
The UltraFan can generate enough power for a medium-sized city. Photo: Rolls-Royce

During testing in 2021, the PGB reached record power levels of 87,000 Horsepower/64 Megawatts. The company noted that this would be enough to power a medium-sized city such as Bath, UK.

Rolls-Royce added that its engine is scalable for both narrowbody and widebody aircraft, helping the aviation industry meet its sustainability targets.

First engine demonstrator testing this year

The gearbox will be integrated into the first UltraFan engine demonstrator (UF001), the largest engine in the world with a fan diameter of 140 inches. Testing will take place this year at Rolls-Royce's 'Demo Works' site in Derby.

Cholerton added,

"I’m proud that we are creating better, more efficient gas turbines which will be an essential part of air travel for decades to come."

Rolls-Royce UltraFan
The engine burns up to 25% less fuel than Rolls-Royce's Trent engines. Photo: Rolls-Royce

Interestingly, the first test will be run on 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Rolls-Royce has committed to 100% SAF demonstrations on all current-gen engines through 2023 as forecasts see the SAF industry growing to over $15 billion by 2030.

Rolls-Royce said,

"UltraFan’s efficiency will help improve the economics of an industry transition to more sustainable aviation fuels, which are likely to be more expensive than traditional jet fuel in the short-term."

25% less fuel burn than Trent

The unique design of the power gearbox plays a crucial role in making the UltraFan engine Rolls-Royce's most efficient yet. The company claims the UltraFan can operate with 25% less fuel burn than its Trent engines.

Rolls-Royce UltraFan
If you're purchasing brand new aircraft, you will be requiring some engines to go with them. Photo: Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce said,

"UltraFan offers a step-change in gas turbine sustainability, saving 25% fuel compared with the first generation of Rolls-Royce Trent engines. Critical to that performance is the PGB, which has a planetary design and can transmit more power than an entire grid of Formula 1 cars when running at maximum power."

The company noted that its PGB enables the engine to be more efficient at different thrust levels by allowing the rear turbine to operate at high speeds while the front fan runs at a lower speed.

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