Recently in Engines Category
Very much as the title of the post suggests: Airbus has mounted the first Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engine to its A380 flying testbed as it gears up to launch the flight test campaign. With its 118-inch diameter fan, it's fair to describe the engine, which will power the A350, as "quite big really".
Credit: Airbus
...here's a pic from the excellent MoD flickr stream of an RAF groundcrew conducting an engine test on a Tornado GR4 aircraft from 617 Squadron under at night at Kandahar Air Base, Afghanistan.
Probably the most predictable news of the week - Boeing has given the go-ahead for the launch of its re-engined 737. If the rendered pics reveal anything it's that the new version of the twinjet has the same sculpted nacelles as the 787 and that Boeing is dropping the 700/800/900 designation in favour of the -7/8/9 seen on the 747 and 787.
Credit: Boeing
Virgin America will become the launch customer after committing to 30 of Airbus's re-engined A320neo (new engine option)," says Airbus, although it says no engine selection has been made.
Virgin America chief executive David Cush disclosed the agreement yesterday in Toulouse.
It covers 60 A320 aircraft in total, 30 of which are the A320neo.
In December 2010 Airbus launched the A320neo for entry into service in 2016.
Airlines will have a choice between the CFM International LEAP-X and Pratt & Whitney's PurePower PW1100G powerplants.
The A320neo will also incorporate "sharklet" wing-tips that help to save fuel, says the airframer.
"The A320neo will not only deliver significant fuel savings of up to 15%, which represents up to 3,600t of CO2 savings annually per A320neo. In addition, A320neo customers will benefit from a double-digit reduction in NOx emissions, reduced engine noise, lower operating costs and up to 500nm (950 km) more range or two tonnes more payload," adds the EADS subsidiary.
Flightglobal content on the incident
Asian Skies Blog: VIDEO: Qantas A380 after emergency landing in Singapore
AirSpace gallery - Qantas A380 engine failure
Story: PICTURES & VIDEO: Qantas A380 makes emergency landing after losing engine cowling
Story: SIA has no plans to ground A380s after Qantas incident
Profiles
Airline: Qantas
Aircraft: Airbus A380
Airport: Singapore Changi Airport
Start a gallery on AirSpace for your chance at having your photograph featured as our Image of the Week.
Rolls-Royce has conducted a first-time run of its new Trent XWB engine for the Airbus A350 family. The engine ran yesterday on a test-bed at the manufacturer's Derby facility.
Rolls-Royce says the operation initiates the "most extensive pre-flight programme in Trent history", ahead of flight tests on an A380 in 2011.
Seven Trent XWB development engines will be operating by early next
year, says the company, while flight-testing is scheduled to start on
the A350 in 2012. Continue reading...
The article was part of our special section on MRO Americas 2010: Why airlines must comply or simply not fly, with other articles including:
- Airlines: Comply or don't fly
- Military: Upkeep u-turn
- Data: Barriers remain to getting connected
MRO Americas is currently underway in Phoenix, Arizona. You can read the daily news of day one the show here in our new interactive format. Follow the most up-to-date news at our special MRO Americas page here.

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