Boeing ecoDemonstrator Explorer with Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines. Image Courtesy: Rolls-Royce
Rolls-Royce is partnering with Boeing and Lufthansa to improve fuel efficiency and reduce noise
Press Release
The research focuses on a novel engine inlet that enables the integration of more fuel-efficient engines onto future platforms and reduces weight as well as drag.
The testing, which begins later this month at the Boeing site in Glasgow, Montana, is being conducted on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner jet that’s serving as Boeing’s 2026 ecoDemonstrator Explorer airplane. This Boeing 787-9 is scheduled to be delivered to Lufthansa and features Trent 1000 engines from Rolls-Royce. The testing is expected to run through mid-August.
“Boeing works tirelessly to deliver the aerospace innovations of today and tomorrow,” said Boeing Chief Technology Officer Lane Ballard. “The more efficient inlet and Intelligent Operations flight paths we’re evaluating on this year’s ecoDemonstrator Explorer are among the many promising concepts we’re working on. These enhancements have the potential to make our airplanes even more valuable to our partners, including customers like Lufthansa and suppliers like Rolls-Royce.”
“This programme is the culmination of a decade of collaboration with Boeing, built on a shared ambition to reduce noise, improve efficiency and unlock more sustainable flight,” said Alan Newby, Director of Research and Technology, Rolls-Royce, which provided engineering support and oversight for operating the engine with the next generation inlet installed. “With Boeing and Lufthansa, we are building on our extensive research to test technologies in real-world conditions and see how they perform where it matters most – in service. We look forward to sharing insights and demonstrating how world-class partnership and innovation can deliver benefits for our customers and the industry. “
In the Middle East Gulf Air’s Boeing 787 fleet is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines. As the region continues to strengthen its position as a global aviation hub and demand for long-haul connectivity grows, airlines are increasingly focused on these technologies that enhance operational efficiency, improve durability and reduce environmental impact.
Since its entry into service in 2011 Rolls-Royce has continuously improved the fuel efficiency, capability and durability of the Trent 1000, and engineers continue to explore opportunities to improve the engine and in-service support, to ensure it is always delivering the maximum value to customers.
The latest development is the Trent 1000 XE that will power all future deliveries of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Rolls-Royce is already in the process of upgrading Trent 1000 TEN customers to this latest standard of engine, transforming their experience of operating their 787s.
About Rolls-Royce Holdings plc
Rolls-Royce develops and delivers complex power and propulsion solutions for safety-critical applications in the air, at sea and on land. Our products and service packages enable our customers to connect people, societies, cultures and economies together; they meet the growing need for power generation across multiple industries; and enable governments to equip their armed forces with the power required to protect their citizens. Rolls-Royce has customers in more than 150 countries, comprising more than 400 airlines and leasing customers, 160-armed forces and navies, and more than 5,000 power and nuclear customers. To meet customer demand for more sustainable solutions, we are committed to making our products compatible with net zero carbon emissions.Annual underlying revenue was £10.95 billion in 2021 and underlying operating profit was £414m. Rolls-Royce Holdings plc is publicly traded company (LSE: RR., ADR: RYCEY, LEI: 213800EC7997ZBLZJH69)
www.rolls-royce.com
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