Engines
Rolls-Royce Starts Gearbox Load Tests For New Large Turbofans
The gearbox for the UltraFan will allow a more efficent engine that can be optimised with slower fan and faster turbine.
Rolls-Royce UltraFan gearbox
Rolls-Royce UltraFan gearbox. (Photo: Rolls-Royce)

Rolls-Royce reported in late May that it had started power runs on the gearbox for its next generation of large engines at its Power Gearbox (PGB) facility in Dahlewitz, Germany, marking what the company said is another significant step in the development of its new UltraFan engine. The gearbox allows for a more efficient high bypass-ratio engine. PGB testing of a unit not under load started on September 1, 2016, heralding the eventual end of Rolls-Royce's three-shaft approach towards a "two and a half shaft" geared turbofan approach similar to that pioneered by U.S. rival Pratt & Whitney.

The Derby, UK-based manufacturer is working in partnership with Liebherr-Aerospace to develop the PGB, through their Transmission Technologies joint venture (which is based in Friedrichshafen). R-R leads to design definition/integration and testing.

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