Rolls-Royce has transferred the power gearbox for its UltraFan engine to its UK site, where the future high-bypass engine demonstrator is undergoing assembly.

The gearbox has been sent from the manufacturer’s facility at Dahlewitz in Germany.

Rolls-Royce is aiming to commence testing with the UltraFan demonstrator in Derby this year, using fully-sustainable aviation fuel.

It will be the largest aircraft engine built, with a fan diameter of 140in (3.55m).

Rolls-Royce says the gearbox is “critical” to the UltraFan’s intended fuel-saving performance. The manufacturer expects it to burn 25% less fuel than its first generation of Trent engines.

During early testing, it adds, the gearbox has delivered 64MW of power.

Power gearbox UltraFan title-c-Rolls-Royce

Source: Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce describes the UltraFan gearbox as having a ‘planetary’ design

“This is a tremendous moment for everyone on the UltraFan programme as we take another step forward with the dispatch of the power gearbox,” says Rolls-Royce civil aerospace president Chris Cholerton.

Rolls-Royce insists gas-turbine engines will remain the “bedrock” of long-haul air transport, and that UltraFan will improve the economics of operating with sustainable aviation fuel – which, it says, is likely to be more expensive in the short term than conventional products.

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