Latest E3E Engine Core Test Produced "Excellent Results"

Rolls-Royce says it has successfully run the latest core engine build in its E3E (efficiency, environment, economy) two-shaft research program. E3E is developing technologies which increase engine temperature, pressure ratio and component efficiencies, together with a 25 per cent-plus increase in thrust to weight ratios.

Rolls-Royce E3E Engine

These technologies are designed to reduce fuel burn and CO2 emissions by 15 per cent, compared to similar engines currently in service. E3E lean-burn will also reduce NOx emissions as part of the company's drive to meet ACARE (Advisory Council for Aeronautics Research in Europe) targets of a 60 per cent reduction by 2020.

The program is designed to address future customer needs in the corporate and narrowbody sectors.

The latest Core, 3/2b, has produced excellent results during 40 hours of running at Stuttgart University altitude test facility, far exceeding flight envelope requirements. Mark King, Rolls-Royce President - Civil Aerospace, said: "Our E3E technology, which is at the heart of our future two-shaft engine product strategy, continues to make great progress."

Rolls-Royce E3E Engine

Rolls-Royce started design of the engine in 2003 and continues to run intensive HPC, combustor and high pressure turbine rig programs to support the Core 3/2b demonstrator. Further builds of Core 3/2 will be tested in 2011 and 2012 and will include 1,200 cycles of endurance testing representative of maximum take-off conditions. E3E is part of the German Aeronautics Research Program, funded by the Ministry of Economics and the Federal State of Brandenburg.

FMI: www.rolls-royce.com