Rolls-Royce completes UltraFan technology demonstrator build

Rolls-Royce has announced that it has completed building and is preparing to test its UltraFan technology demonstrator.

The demonstrator engine was transported from the build workshop and into Testbed 80 in Derby, UK, where it was mounted in preparation for testing.

The fan entered its final build phase back in July 2022, with the Testbed 80 opening in 2020 – the largest facility of its type in the world. The UltraFan demonstrator has a fan diameter of 140 inches and offers a 25% fuel efficiency improvement compared with the first-generation of Trent engine.

The first test of the demonstrator is expected to take place early next year and will be operated using 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel.

The next stage will be for the UltraFan to run on 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel in 2023, according to Chris Cholerton, President of Rolls-Royce Civil Aerospace, “proving the technology is ready to support more sustainable flight in the future”.