Rolls-Royce Advances UltraFan Geared Turbofan for Narrowbody Market Entry
Key Ideas
  • Rolls-Royce is freezing the design of a smaller demonstrator version of the UltraFan geared turbofan engine to target the single-aisle market in the 2030s.
  • The engine, to undergo ground tests in 2028, aims to power successors to the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 with a thrust over 30,000 lbs.
  • The initiative fulfills CEO Tufan Erginbilgic's strategic goal, marking Rolls-Royce's reentry into the narrowbody sector and leveraging technology from the larger UltraFan engine.
  • Rolls-Royce is investing in both large and small engines, including the Heaven project for hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuel integration, eyeing a potential UK government partnership.
Rolls-Royce is making significant strides in advancing the development of the UltraFan geared turbofan engine to target the single-aisle market in the 2030s. The company is set to freeze the design of a smaller demonstrator version of the engine, scheduled to undergo ground tests in 2028. This engine, with a thrust over 30,000 lbs, is intended to power future Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 successors as part of Rolls-Royce's renewed ambition to reenter the narrowbody sector. Alan Newby, Rolls-Royce's director of aerospace technology and future programs, highlights the importance of showcasing their commitment to customers, suppliers, and potential partners through this initiative. The company aims to be prepared for any market developments, whether in widebody or narrowbody aircraft, by proving and adapting their technology at various scales. The UltraFan project also incorporates technologies from the Heaven project, focused on hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuel integration, under Europe's Clean Aviation research initiative. Rolls-Royce's interest in the narrowbody market aligns with potential growth opportunities for the UK economy, where entry into this sector could create significant value and skilled job opportunities. While Rolls-Royce has not confirmed talks with the UK government regarding funding for the UltraFan development, the company sees the narrowbody market as a substantial economic opportunity. With continuous investments in research and development, Rolls-Royce is positioning itself for a competitive edge in the future aerospace market.
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