Rolls-Royce successfully tested 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel on all its civil aero engines and is using advanced techniques to enhance sustainability in engine servicing and manufacturing.
The Rolls-Royce currently-in-production civil aero engine types have passed compatibility testing for 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). With this accomplishment, aviation will take a big step toward greater sustainability. A ground test using a BR710 business jet engine at Rolls-Royce’s Canadian facility marked the end of the tough testing cycle.
Comprehensive Testing Procedure
The extensive testing program encompassed the following engines: BR725, Pearl 700, Pearl 15, and Pearl 10X; Trent 700, BR725, Trent XWB-84, Trent XWB-97, and Trent 7000. The usage of 100% SAF does not impair engine performance, according to tests that were done both on the ground and in the air to replicate real-world operating situations.
Direction and Vision
Rolls-Royce CEO Tufan Erginbilgic underlined the significance of this achievement. “Being the first producer of jet engines to formally declare that every engine used in long-haul and business jet production is 100% SAF compatible is a significant accomplishment for Rolls-Royce and the aviation sector as a whole. Additionally, it demonstrates our dedication to helping our clients achieve net zero by 2050 and to becoming a net zero business ourselves.”
Innovating for Sustainability
Rolls-Royce is committed to sustainability in ways that go beyond fuel innovation. The company is leading the way in engine servicing innovations that improve sustainability by cutting down on time and transportation requirements. Engines are now inspected on-site by advanced digital technology and robotics, which eliminates the need to transfer them for inspection. This method dramatically reduces the emissions related to logistics.
Cutting-Edge Manufacturing Techniques
Rolls-Royce is reducing waste in the manufacturing process by using 3D printing technology to produce engine parts that are more intricate and effective. This innovation’s best example is the new Pearl 10X engine. The engine’s combustor tiles were printed with incorporated cooling holes that loop back on themselves using Additive Layer Manufacturing, a feature that was not achievable with conventional laser drilling techniques. Lower emissions and a hotter, more efficient fuel burn are the outcomes of this.
Digital Advancements in Engine Testing
Testing new engine designs also heavily relies on the company’s digital capabilities. Rolls-Royce can make fewer physical testing necessary by predicting component performance using complex computational models. Eliminating the requirement for numerous part iterations, not only expedites the development process but also lessens its negative environmental effects.
Dedication to a Sustainable Future
Rolls-Royce is dedicated to improving the recyclability of its engines as part of its long-term ambition. The company makes sure that its engines maintain a high degree of recyclability after decades of use and millions of kilometers driven, which further contributes to environmental sustainability.
Rolls-Royce is a leader in sustainable aviation, as demonstrated by its 100% SAF compatibility and ongoing advances in engine manufacture and servicing. Rolls-Royce is laying the foundation for a more environmentally conscious future in the aerospace sector by raising the bar for performance and environmental responsibility.