Rolls-Royce UltraFan aims for next-generation efficiency amid competition from GE9X

Key features include a geared architecture, carbon-titanium fan blades, and a composite casing for reduced weight without compromising strength. Rolls-Royce claims that UltraFan could deliver up to 25% better fuel efficiency than its Trent 700 engine and is compatible with up to 100% sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). The company stated:

"UltraFan features a new engine core architecture and lean-burn combustion system which will contribute to improved fuel burn efficiency and lower emissions, along with a carbon titanium fan blade system and composite casing, which reduce weight. The engine also introduces a geared design to deliver efficient power at high-bypass ratios."

Rolls-Royce sees potential markets for both widebody and narrowbody versions of UltraFan. By 2028, it expects to have demonstrators for both types—UltraFan 30 for narrowbodies (30,000–45,000 lbf thrust; 90-inch fan) and UltraFan 80 for widebodies (80,000–100,000 lbf thrust; 140-inch fan). These variants will share significant commonality to help airlines reduce maintenance costs.

The timeline for commercial deployment remains uncertain as no agreements have been made with aircraft manufacturers yet. Rolls-Royce hopes UltraFan will be available in the 2030s depending on "airframer requirements and market demand." Airbus is developing next-generation narrowbody designs that could use a lower-thrust version of UltraFan. Boeing is considering new midsize aircraft but has previously looked at other engine suppliers.

The GE9X will soon debut as the largest commercial jet engine in service with a fan diameter of 134 inches and rated at 110,000 lbf thrust. It features innovations such as ceramic matrix composites (CMCs), a bypass ratio of 10:1, and a compressor pressure ratio of 27:1—the highest yet for a commercial engine. Boeing plans to launch the 777X in early 2027 after several delays since announcing the program in 2013. Lufthansa will be the launch customer.

Engine makers are also exploring open-fan technology. CFM International's RISE program aims to develop an open-fan successor to its LEAP turbofans with an estimated fan diameter up to 140 inches. The RISE concept targets up to 20% lower fuel consumption than current models. Over 200 tests have been completed so far. Open-fan engines are expected to enter service sometime in the 2030s.

These advancements are part of broader industry efforts to cut emissions and operational costs while meeting stricter regulations on noise.

"UltraFan features a new engine core architecture and lean-burn combustion system which will contribute to improved fuel burn efficiency and lower emissions, along with a carbon titanium fan blade system and composite casing, which reduce weight. The engine also introduces a geared design to deliver efficient power at high-bypass ratios," according to Rolls-Royce.

As explained by RR, the engine will hopefully be available to the market in the 2030s as determined "by airframer requirements and market demand."

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