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Aerospace companies are focusing on the development of larger and more efficient jet engines to address the needs of modern aviation. The trend has moved away from four-engine aircraft toward twinjets, driven by rising fuel costs and a growing emphasis on sustainability. This transition began with the Boeing 777, which uses some of the largest commercial engines, such as the General Electric GE90.
To meet increasing demands for power and efficiency, Boeing and GE collaborated on the Boeing 777X series, which is expected to enter service in 2027. The new aircraft will be powered by the GE9X engine, which will become the largest commercial jet engine in service when launched. However, Rolls-Royce is working on its UltraFan concept, which could surpass the GE9X if it reaches production.
The UltraFan, still in the demonstrator phase, features a fan diameter of 140 inches and is designed to be scalable for different aircraft sizes. Rolls-Royce started assembling its first demonstrator in 2021 at its Derby facility and has since conducted extensive ground testing. The UltraFan aims for a high bypass ratio of up to 15:1 to improve efficiency and reduce noise, compared to the GE9X's 10:1 ratio. The technology can also be adapted for existing engines to boost efficiency.
