en.Wedoany.com Reported - Rolls-Royce has commenced the assembly and design work for the UltraFan series demonstrators. The UltraFan 80 demonstrator, with a thrust of 85,000 lbf (380 kN), is being assembled at the company's Derby facility in the UK, preparing to resume ground testing, while the UltraFan 30 demonstrator, with a thrust of 30,000 lbf, is scheduled for its first test run in 2028.
The UltraFan 80 demonstrator accumulated approximately 70 hours of operation during initial testing in 2023. Its return to the test bed aims to further mature the engine architecture and supporting technologies. Jeremy Hughes, the demonstrator project leader, stated that the team has made several modifications and changes to the core engine to address findings from earlier tests. The next round of testing will focus on evaluating the performance, robustness, and durability of the low-pressure system.
The concept review for the UltraFan 30 demonstrator was completed in June, advancing the design that Rolls-Royce showcased in March. This demonstrator scales the geared architecture down for narrowbody applications and is based on the core of the existing Pearl business jet engine. This could signal a further evolution of the Advance 2 core, from which the latest generation of Pearl engines is derived. Hughes noted that this is something the company is currently thinking deeply about. A significant effort has been launched to address the challenges of the narrowbody size, with testing activities for the power gearbox spanning from late 2026 through 2027.
The UltraFan 30 introduces features such as a short inlet and corrugated trailing edge outlet guide vanes, designs that may be adapted for the UltraFan 80. The company is also conducting fan aerodynamic performance tests at wind tunnel facilities in Marknesse, the Netherlands, and Germany, Darmstadt.
In the narrowbody market, Rolls-Royce faces a duopoly from CFM International and Pratt & Whitney. Rob Watson, President of the company's Civil Aerospace division, stated that partnership options are being explored, with collaboration being the preferred approach, but the company could also proceed independently if necessary.
Regarding whether UltraFan technology could be used to retrofit existing widebody platforms, Watson believes that a step change in technology may require a new aircraft platform. The company is discussing possible options with both airframers.
