Engines
Rolls-Royce Retires Modified 747-200 Testbed
Unique aerial asset served for two decades
747 test aircraft taking off with additional fifth test engine
A fifth engine, the Pearl 10X, mounted below N78RR’s starboard wing

Rolls-Royce has retired its Boeing 747-200 flying testbed (registered N787RR), a uniquely modified aircraft instrumental in the OEM’s engine development and evaluation. However, with the so-called “Queen of the Skies” withdrawn from service, Rolls-Royce will continue its testing endeavors with a combination of flying assets, ground testing, and digital modelling.

For the last two decades, the “Flying Test Bed” has proved a key airborne asset with its ability to operate an additional fifth powerplant, installed on a bespoke wing-mounted pylon. Its achievements included the 2021 testing of a 100% SAF-powered Trent 1000 (preceding Virgin Atlantic’s 100% SAF-powered transatlantic flight) and the Pearl 10X, optimized for the upcoming Dassault Falcon 10X. 

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