Engines
Rolls-Royce Says UltraFan ‘Bristling’ with New Technology
Following the first run of the UltraFan demonstrator, Rolls-Royce looks to speed progress toward application of the engine on an airframe.
The Rolls-Royce UltraFan turbine engine
The Rolls-Royce UltraFan features an ultra-high bypass ratio and technology scaleable to a range of engine sizes and configurations. (Photo: Rolls-Royce)

Rolls-Royce chief technology officer Grazia Vittadini recently characterized the UltraFan engine architecture designed for ultra-high bypass ratios as “literally bristling with cutting-edge technologies from the front all the way to the back.” 

The company tested the UltraFan technology demonstrator at its Derby, UK site for the first time last month and will now put it through its paces in an effort to start developing a scaled range of engines. The manufacturer’s vision for UltraFan technology centers on a portfolio of two-shaft, three-shaft, direct-drive, and geared propulsion systems ranging in thrust from 25,000 to 110,000 pounds.

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