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16 June 2003
Rolls-Royce has said that a potential Spring 2005 launch of a development programme for its Trent '7E7' engine being proposed for Boeing's new ultra-efficient airliner would meet the aircraft's current entry into service targets.
Speaking at the Paris Air Show, Mike Terrett, President - Civil Aerospace, Rolls-Royce, said: "Completion of engine development in the second quarter of 2007 would dovetail with Boeing's current schedule of a mid-2008 start for commercial operations of the new aircraft.
"We are continuing discussions with Boeing through the preliminary design phase and, subject to a satisfactory business case being established, we believe we will be able to define specific engine requirements by the end of this year.
"This new Trent variant would be designed for thrusts of 60,000 - 70,000lb and would be based on the three-shaft design concept which continues to be a powerful and unique advantage for the Trent family in service, producing engines which are lighter than all their direct competitors and have excellent performance retention."
Mike Terrett also revealed that Rolls-Royce was taking the opportunity to discuss potential new business models with Boeing.
"Our long-term TotalCare service agreements are very much in demand, with 60 per cent of the Trent fleet, for instance, covered by this type of arrangement. The basic structure of agreed cost per flying hour provides all parties with financial visibility. We believe further innovation around this type of agreement could increase benefits for airlines still further," he added.
A number of objectives have already been identified for the Trent '7E7' including a significant reduction in the number of parts to simplify build and cut weight, reducing noise levels and incorporating latest engine health monitoring systems.
Through its Vision 10 programme, covering research within the next ten years, Rolls-Royce is involved in a series of technology acquisition initiatives including its leadership of the pan-European Affordable Near Term Low Emissions (ANTLE) project.
Advanced technologies intended for commercial use by 2008 are targeted to deliver:
- An improvement of ten per cent in thrust to weight ratio
- Noise reductions of between 25 and 35dB against current legislative requirements
- Reduction of NOx to 60 per cent below permitted international levels
- Zero service disruptions
By the time it potentially enters service in 2008 the Trent '7E7' would be able to draw on around 35 million flight hours accumulated by earlier Trent variants on the the A330, Boeing 777, A340-500/-600 and A380, the company said.
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