Rolls-Royce to test innovative fuel-efficient UltraFan engine

Rolls-Royce has developed a brand new UltraFan demonstrator engine, designed to improve aircraft fuel efficiency by up to 10 per cent. The innovative aircraft engine is designed to be run on 100 per cent Sustainable Aviation Fuel.

The new UltraFan engine boasts a 12-foot (355 centimeter) fan system, the largest in the world. Rolls Royce plans to perform its first test early with the engine in 2023. If the tests are performed successfully, the company can apply the UltraFan technology in its current family of Trent engines.

The Ultrafan has cost over €568 million to build. The UltraFan boasts carbon composite fan blades with a titanium sheath to help protect them from object damage and bird strikes. These materials help to reduce its weight and boost fuel efficiency. It also has a new power gearbox, lean burn combustor and Advance3 core architecture helping to provide a very high propulsion efficiency.