Rolls-Royce Trent 900 marks initial testing with high-thrust runs

Rolls-Royce has completed a series of high-thrust tests on its Trent 900 engine being developed for the Airbus A380. The programme's first development engine reached 88,000lb thrust at the company's test facilities in Derby, UK, exceeding the level required for entry into service in 2006 by around 25%.

"The ability to achieve test running to these levels at such an early stage of development once again validates our low-risk, derivative approach which builds on previous Trent experience," said Ian Kinnear, Director - Airbus Programmes. "Throughout the range of technical data we have gathered so far, results are extremely encouraging and in line with expectations. The Trent 900 is designed with capacity for growth to 84,000lb thrust, and not only achieving, but exceeding that level so early in the programme gives us a high level of confidence going forward."

After being passed to test on schedule in March, the engine initially completed low-power runs to prove basic design features such as air and oil systems. Rig tests had previously been used for work on aspects including compressor, combustor and engine management (FADEC) systems.

The first development engine is already returning to the test bed after being stripped and rebuilt to incorporate planned modifications for its next test sequence. The second and third of a total of seven engines to be used throughout development are now being assembled.

The Trent 900 is the first Rolls-Royce production engine to incorporate scimitar-shaped "swept" fan blades. With blade numbers reduced by two to a total of 24 compared with previous Trents, the new technology delivers weight savings, better bird-strike protection and lower noise.

For the first time in a Rolls-Royce civil engine programme, the Trent 900 will include a contra-rotating high pressure compressor system. The feature, which is used in some modern combat engine programmes, straightens the airflow through the engine's core, producing significant efficiency gains.

The Trent 900 is the only engine offered for the A380, which uses a single design and build standard across all proposed thrust requirements of the aircraft. Thrust settings are automatically commanded by the engine's data entry plug.

The Trent 900 will be certificated in October 2004 and, as lead engine in the programme will be first to fly on the A380 in 2005. Service entry with launch customer Singapore Airlines (SIA) is scheduled for March 2006.

Risk and Revenue Sharing Partners in the programme are FiatAvio, Goodrich Corporation, Hamilton Sundstrand, Honeywell, Marubeni Corporation and Volvo Aero. In addition to Samsung Techwin of Korea, Japan's Iishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries (IHI) and Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) are participating as Programme Associates.

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