Rolls-Royce intends to begin further ground runs of its original UltraFan demonstrator early next year as it looks to build on initial test activity that concluded in 2023.
In parallel, it has started work on a smaller variant – known as the UltraFan 30 – intended for narrowbody applications that will run in 2028.
The UK engine maker had last year indicated that it intended to run another round of testing but has now clarified the timing.
Speaking at the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) annual conference on 4 November, Alan Newby, director of research and technology at Rolls-Royce, said the fuel-burn promise of the UltraFan architecture represents a “massive opportunity” for both aircraft classes.
Having taken the original 85,000lb (380kN) UltraFan 80 to maximum thrust and beyond during the 2023 test campaign during which it accumulated around 70h of run time, Rolls-Royce now “plans to do a further build of that engine which will run early next year”, says Newby, to “expand the envelope”.
Although the ‘build 2’ engine is largely identical, certain components have been replaced or have been tweaked to optimise performance, he says.
In the meantime, however, there is renewed focus on the single-aisle segment too.
“But what’s most exciting for us as well, we have now launched a narrowbody-sized demonstrator and that’s being designed now,” says Newby.
Preliminary design work concluded around mid-year and that activity is now “starting to ramp up” as Rolls-Royce works to “put more flesh on the bones”.
“We know what the product looks like and we aim to run that [engine] in 2028 to demonstrate our ability and readiness for that sector of the market.”
Development and ground tests of the UltraFan 30 will be part-funded by the EU’s Clean Aviation body, which has selected a Rolls-Royce-led projected called UNIFIED under its second phase.
Having been absent from the narrowbody space since the 2012 sale of its stake in International Aero Engines to Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce has made no secret of its desire to return.
It sees the UltraFan 30 as an ideal candidate for a future narrowbody from Airbus or Boeing and is working closely with both airframers “to understand what their requirements are” and the likely timing of any programme.
Airbus has been more open in its planning for an A320neo replacement and is currently analysing options for its Next Generation Single Aisle, which is likely to enter service in the latter half of the 2030s.
However, should it be selected by either airframer, achieving the required production rates to address narrowbody demand and industrialising the UltraFan 30 “is a massive challenge”, says Newby.
“We are talking to supply chain partners, looking at where we might put down industrial footprint.
“These aren’t just technical questions but political and economic questions as well and you’ve got to start those conversations now.”
Rolls-Royce chief executive Tufan Erginbilgic in 2023 said the company would seek a partnership to address the narrowbody market.
In addition to an entirely new two-spool geared-fan engine architecture, UltraFan has allowed Rolls-Royce to mature various technology bricks, such as advanced materials or aerodynamic improvements, that it is now inserting across its fleet of in-production Trent engines.
“We are already seeing the benefits from those in the flying fleet and we will continue to do that,” he adds.
