Moves On To Flight Test Phase

The Rolls-Royce Trent 1000, launch powerplant for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, has successfully completed a number of key tests towards achieving engine certification from the airworthiness authorities, according to representatives with the enginemaker.

"As the manufacturer of the launch engine for the 787, we have the responsibility of powering the Dreamliner's first flight and also of being first into airline service in 2008," said Dominic Horwood, Director - Boeing Programs at Rolls-Royce. "We have just a few tests remaining and we're on-track to achieve certification ahead of the 787's first flight later this year."

The Trent 1000 has completed its altitude test phase at the Arnold Engineering Development Centre (AEDC) in Tullahoma, TN. This has included complete icing compliance, engine operability and in-flight restarts across the flight envelope.

Rolls-Royce reports the engine performed "excellently" throughout altitude testing and the quality of data from the controlled environment at AEDC has met certification requirements. As part of Boeing's flight readiness program, the Trent 1000 will now participate in a flight test phase on the Rolls-Royce flying test bed.

Rolls-Royce has also successfully completed the fan blade containment test. A Trent 1000 was accelerated to full speed before a fan blade was released at its root by an explosive charge. The engine's behaviour after the event was as expected, and met certification requirements.

FMI: www.rollsroyce.com