It’s been almost seven years since Rolls-Royce announced its plan to develop a fresh gear-driven commercial engine family. Now, the engine giant is finally bringing together components for the pioneer UltraFan demonstrator.
The test engine which has been rated at 87,000-lb. thrust will have a fan diameter of 140-in, making it the largest aircraft engine yet developed.
According to Rolls, though the engine is yet to have a firm application, the demonstrator – which is scheduled to run in early 2022 – is expected to pave the way for an array of fuel efficient products in the later part of the decade, products that will cover the 25,000 to 100,000-lb. thrust range.
