Rolls-Royce Unveils Innovative Low-Emission Engine as It Soars into Flight Testing
Rolls-Royce has triumphantly progressed into the final stage of evaluating its ALECSys (Advanced Low Emissions Combustion System) demonstrator engine, this time at high altitude. The prototype ascended into the skies connected to the Rolls-Royce Boeing 747 Flying Test Bed in Tucson, Arizona, USA. The evaluation program has encompassed flights reaching 40,000 feet as well as multiple engine relights under various conditions, all proving successful.
The groundbreaking lean-burn combustion technology enhances the pre-mixing of fuel and air prior to ignition, facilitating cleaner combustion of the fuel, which leads to reduced NOX and particulate emissions.
The ALECSys engine demonstrator has earlier accomplished an extensive range of ground assessments, including icing, water ingestion, ground operability, emissions, and operation on 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
Simon Burr, Director of Product Development and Technology for Civil Aerospace at Rolls-Royce, remarked: “We are extremely delighted to witness the ALECSys engine now in flight trials. This flight testing is a crucial element of our quest to enhance not only engine efficiency but all facets of environmental performance. It forms part of the broader Rolls‑Royce sustainability initiative, which also encompasses advocating for the expanded usage of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and rigorous research into alternative propulsion frameworks and technologies.”
The opportunity to assess ALECSys’ low-emissions innovation during flights will validate altitude operability performance and offer insights into managing a lean-burn system to optimize readiness ahead of a prospective entry into service.
ALECSys is an integral component of the UltraFan® engine demonstrator initiative, which promises a 25% fuel efficiency improvement over the initial generation of Trent engines. The ALECSys initiative is backed by the EU’s Clean Sky program and, in the UK, by the Aerospace Technology Institute and Innovate UK.
