Higher-thrust Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engine runs for first time
Higher-thrust Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engine runs for first time

Tuesday, 15 July 2014

Rolls-Royce today announced the first run of its higher-thrust version of the Trent XWB, the world’s most efficient large civil aero engine.

The 97,000lb-thrust Trent XWB-97 is the sole powerplant for the Airbus A350-1000 aircraft. The engine will begin test flights in 2016 and entry into service is due in 2017.

The increased thrust is achieved through a combination of new high-temperature turbine technology, a larger engine core and advanced fan aerodynamics, allowing Airbus to increase the A350-1000 payload range and maximum take-off weight.

Simon Burr, Rolls-Royce, Trent XWB Programme Director, said: “The successful first run of our higher-thrust Trent XWB engine is another important milestone in a tremendously exciting year for the programme. All the experience we gained in the Trent XWB-84 test programme will help us optimise development of the Trent XWB-97.”

In May, Rolls-Royce delivered the first 84,000lb-thrust Trent XWB engines for the first Airbus A350 XWB that will enter service with Qatar Airways later this year.

The Trent XWB, specifically designed for the A350 XWB, is the fastest-selling Trent engine ever, with more than 1,400 already sold.

About Rolls-Royce Holdings plc

  1. Rolls-Royce’s vision is to create better power for a changing world via two main business segments, Aerospace and Marine & Industrial Power Systems (MIPS). These business segments address markets with two strong technology platforms, gas turbines and reciprocating engines, for use on land, at sea and in the air.
  2. Aerospace comprises Civil Aerospace and Defence Aerospace. MIPS comprises Marine, Energy & Nuclear and Power Systems (RRPS). On 7 March 2014, Daimler announced their intention to exercise their option to sell their 50% share in RRPS to Rolls-Royce Holdings plc. On 16 April 2014, the valuation was agreed and the transaction is expected to complete within the coming months, subject to the usual regulatory approvals. On 6 May 2014 Rolls-Royce announced it had signed an agreement to sell its Energy gas turbine and compressor business to Siemens for a £785m cash consideration. On completion, expected before the end of December 2014, Rolls-Royce will receive a further £200 million for a 25 year licensing agreement.
  3. Rolls-Royce has customers in more than 120 countries, comprising more than 380 airlines and leasing customers, 160 armed forces, 4,000 marine customers, including 70 navies, and 1,600 energy and nuclear customers.
  4. Our business is focused on the 4Cs:
    • Customer – placing the customer at the heart of our business
    • Concentration – deciding where to grow and where not to
    • Cost – continually looking to increase efficiency
    • Cash – improving financial performance.
  5. Annual underlying revenue was £15.5 billion in 2013, around half of which came from the provision of aftermarket services. The firm and announced order book stood at £71.6 billion at 31 December 2013.
  6. In 2013, Rolls-Royce invested £1.1 billion on research and development. We also support a global network of 31 University Technology Centres, which position Rolls-Royce engineers with the forefront of scientific research.
  7. Rolls-Royce employs over 55,000 people in 45 countries. Over 17,000 of these are engineers.
  8. The Group has a strong commitment to apprentice and graduate recruitment and to further developing employee skills. In 2013 we employed 379 graduates and 288 apprentices through our worldwide training programmes.

For further information, please contact:

Bill O’Sullivan
Civil Aerospace Communications
Rolls-Royce plc
Tel: +44 1332 246162
Email: bill.osullivan@rolls-royce.com