With positive early test results and an accelerating work schedule, Rolls-Royce is confident it can deliver the Trent XWB as a mature engine, ready for full production before the end of 2014. Related technology programs are said to be on track in terms of high temperature and thrust. The new engine is to power the Airbus A350 XWB, for which orders from nearly 40 customers number more than 570, having risen by over 60 in the past 12 months.
Later this year, the manufacturer expects to have optimized its final Trent XWB manufacturing methods, drawing on lessons learned from construction of eight development engines (see box). Rolls-Royce claims that its preparation for manufacturing is the “fastest ever” large-fan production ramp-up. “Proper production” will start toward the end of next year, with a maximum rate of almost one engine a day (315 a year) being achieved by late 2017 or early 2018.
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