Engines
Rolls-Royce Completes UltraFan 30 Concept Review
Larger UltraFan 80 returns to the testbed this year
UltraFan 80 in test chamber
Rolls-Royce’s UltraFan 80, seen here in its rig in Derby, UK, has recently undergone modifications. Testing is scheduled to recommence by the end of the year. © Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce is progressing toward the final design of its upcoming UltraFan 30 engine demonstrator, a scaled-down variant of its widebody-sized UltraFan 80, as the latter is readied to resume ground testing later this year.

Speaking to reporters in early July, Rolls-Royce head of demonstrator programs for research and technology Jeremy Hughes said the company completed a concept review for the UltraFan 30 in June. The upcoming test engine—set to deliver around 30,000 pounds of thrust—will complement its larger experimental sibling, which aims to deliver 80,000 pounds of thrust. Rolls-Royce plans to begin ground testing the UltraFan 30 demonstrator in 2028. 

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