Rolls-Royce Celebrates New Success in Two-Shaft Engine Research Programme
RESTON, Va.--Rolls-Royce has celebrated the successful running of the latest core engine build in its E3E (efficiency, environment, economy) two-shaft research programme.
“Our E3E technology, which is at the heart of our future two-shaft engine product strategy, continues to make great progress. We are delighted with the latest results which have taken us another step forward in demonstrating our excellence in integrating new technologies into a highly effective engine system.”
E3E is developing leading-edge technologies which increase engine temperature, pressure ratio and component efficiencies, together with a 25 per cent-plus increase in thrust to weight ratios.
These technologies are designed to reduce fuel burn and CO2 emissions by 15 per cent, compared to similar engines currently in service. E3E lean-burn will also reduce NOx emissions as part of the company’s drive to meet ACARE (Advisory Council for Aeronautics Research in Europe) targets of a 60 per cent reduction by 2020.
The programme is designed to address future customer needs in the corporate and narrowbody sectors.
The latest Core, 3/2b, has produced excellent results during 40 hours of running at Stuttgart University altitude test facility, far exceeding flight envelope requirements.
Mark King, Rolls-Royce President – Civil Aerospace, said: “Our E3E technology, which is at the heart of our future two-shaft engine product strategy, continues to make great progress. We are delighted with the latest results which have taken us another step forward in demonstrating our excellence in integrating new technologies into a highly effective engine system.�??
Rolls-Royce started design of the engine in 2003 and continues to run intensive HPC, combustor and high pressure turbine rig programmes to support the Core 3/2b demonstrator. Further builds of Core 3/2 will be tested in 2011 and 2012 and will include 1,200 cycles of endurance testing representative of maximum take-off conditions.
E3E is part of the German Aeronautics Research Programme, funded by the Ministry of Economics and the Federal State of Brandenburg.
Notes to Editors:
1. E3E technology includes: a two-stage shroudless HP turbine incorporating advanced 3D aerodynamics and blade cooling technology; a novel tip clearance control system with advanced ceramic abradable linings to improve turbine efficiency and increase performance retention; a lean burn combustion system; a blisked HP compressor which has successfully demonstrated a 22:1 pressure ratio in only 9 stages, with world-class levels of efficiency and validated surge margin capability; and an innovative air system for bearing load management and improved cooling using novel carbon oil seal and brush-seal air sealing technologies.
2. Rolls-Royce, a world-leading provider of power systems and services for use on land, at sea and in the air, has established a strong position in global markets - civil aerospace, defence aerospace, marine and energy.
3. As a result of this strategy, Rolls-Royce today has a broad customer base comprising more than 600 airlines, 4,000 corporate and utility aircraft and helicopter operators, 160 armed forces, more than 2,000 marine customers, including 70 navies, and energy customers in nearly 120 countries, with an installed base of 54,000 gas turbines.
4. Rolls-Royce employs over 38,000 skilled people in offices, manufacturing and service facilities in 50 countries. At its German sites, Dahlewitz near Berlin and Oberursel near Frankfurt/Main, Rolls-Royce employs around 3,000 people. The Group has a strong commitment to apprentice and graduate recruitment, and to further developing employee skills.
5. In 2009, Rolls-Royce invested £864 million on research and development, two thirds of which had the objective of further improving the environmental aspects of its products, in particular the reduction of emissions.
6. Annual underlying revenues were £10.1 billion in 2009, of which about half came from services revenues. The firm and announced order book stood at £58.3 billion at 31 December 2009, providing visibility of future levels of activity.
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