The latest core engine built as part of Rolls-Royce's two-shaft engine research programme has completed 40h of running at Stuttgart University's altitude test facility.
The E3E programme - focused on efficiency, environment and economy - is intended to deliver new technologies that increase engine temperature, pressure ratio and component performance, plus a 25% increase in thrust-to-weight ratios.
By Rolls-Royce's estimation, these technologies will bring a 15% reduction in fuel burn and CO2 emissions, compared with similar engines already in service. The will also contribute to the manufacturer's goal efforts to meet the Advisory Council for Aeronautics Research in Europe's targets for reductions in NOx emissions.
The latest E3E core, named 3/2b, has "produced excellent results... far exceeding flight envelope requirements", says R-R, which started design of the engine in 2003. E3E technology includes a two-stage shroudless high-pressure turbine using 3D aerodynamics and blade cooling technology; a tip clearance control system incorporating ceramic abradable linings; a lean burn combustion system; a blisked high-pressure compressor (HPC) that has demonstrated a 22:1 pressure ratio in nine stages; and an air system that deploys carbon oil seal and brush-seal sealing technologies.
R-R says it is continuing to run intensive HPC, combustor and high-pressure turbine rig programmes to support the Core 3/2b demonstrator. Further builds will be tested in 2011 and 2012 as the company works towards a targeted 1,200 cycles of endurance testing in simulated maximum take-off conditions.
E3E is part of a German aeronautics research programme funded by the ministry of economics and the federal state of Brandenburg.
In 2009, R-R invested £864 million ($1.25 billion) in research and development, two-thirds of which had environmental objectives. Revenues totalled £10.1 billion, roughly half of which were generated by the services business.
Source: Flight Daily News
