Rolls-Royce and easyJet to perform hydrogen testing at NASA’s Stennis Space Centre

easyJet and Rolls-Royce reach next major milestone in hydrogen-powered aviation journey

Rolls-Royce announced it has broken ground on a truly unique engine test site to perform outdoor, full-scale gas turbine hydrogen testing. The development of the site and engine testing is in partnership with easyJet and will be located at NASA’s Stennis Space Centre in Mississippi.

This will be the third Rolls-Royce test stand at NASA Stennis, expanding a relationship with NASA that goes back decades and includes joint research on a variety of aerospace technologies.

This program is part of Rolls-Royce’s goal to develop technologies that meet the world’s growing demand for power while enabling net zero by 2050. The testing will demonstrate the integration of technologies required for 100% hydrogen fuel operation on a modified Rolls-Royce Pearl 15 engine. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is providing engineering expertise to Rolls-Royce to achieve this milestone.

In addition to hydrogen research, Rolls-Royce continues to focus on other key elements of its technology strategy – specifically the enhancement of gas turbine engines; promoting and enabling the incorporation of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF); and other forms of power including increased electrification.

Deborah Robinson, Director – Test & Experimental Engineering for Rolls-Royce, said: “Rolls-Royce is at the forefront of developing technologies that will be needed to reach net zero by 2050. We are excited to partner with other global leaders like easyJet and NASA to explore the viability of aviation decarbonization through the introduction of hydrogen as an alternative fuel."

Air New Zealand to pause Chicago service from late March due to engine issues with its Boeing 787 Dreamliner planes.

Air New Zealand has confirmed it will put a pause on its Auckland – Chicago non-stop service between 31st March to 25th October 2024.

The Kiwi airline advises the route is being put on hold because of the ongoing challenges with the availability of serviceable Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines it uses on its Boeing 787 aircraft.

Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines normally require heavy maintenance, during which they are taken off the aircraft and sent to the manufacturer for inspection, after 1000 engine cycles (take-offs and landings). During regular inspections, Air New Zealand engineers identified that the engines required maintenance after 750-850 cycles. Rolls-Royce has been unable to provide Air New Zealand with spare or replacement engines to deliver the level of service needed, leading to a reduction in the amount of flying Air New Zealand can deliver via its 787 fleet. 

The airline's Chief Customer and Sales Officer, Leanne Geraghty claims it was a difficult decision to make, but chose the route that would impact the least number of customers.  “We know this will be disappointing for customers travelling to and from Chicago during this period, especially to those travelling over the upcoming April holiday break. It’s not a decision we’ve made lightly and we’re sorry to make this change so close to the time some customers plan to fly.

Unfortunately, Air New Zealand continues to be impacted by challenges with availability of Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines, meaning we will now have up to three aircraft unavailable for an extended period, so we’ve had to review our schedule."

The airline says that passengers affected by the Chicago service pause will be rebooked on another international service and a connection through another US airport. Passengers who booked directly with Air New Zealand will get a new itinerary within 72 hours and those who booked via a travel agent or tour operator should contact their holiday company or agent to confirm the changes.

Geraghty said "We need to ensure our aircraft and engines are maintained to the highest standard. These challenges do not present a safety risk to customers flying on our 787 fleet."

The airline didn't rule out the possibility that further schedule changes may be required later in the year when more aircraft and engines come in for heavy maintenance.  The company currently has 14 Boeing 787 jets with a further 8 on order. 

More jobs at Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce has said it plans to create hundreds of new jobs in Derby following a £55m cash injection which will be split between the firm's operations in Derby and Dahlewitz, Germany.

Veryon and Rolls-Royce Deutschland enter long-term engine diagnostics platform agreement

Veryon, a leading provider of information services and software solutions for the aviation industry, recently signed a long-term agreement with Rolls-Royce Deutschland, the world's leading engine supplier in Business Aviation, for the Veryon Guided Troubleshooting product. Trusted by manufacturers, airlines and military worldwide, Veryon Guided Troubleshooting allows users to monitor, maintain and collaborate on all unscheduled maintenance. The cloud-based interactive and collaborative aircraft troubleshooting tool uses a smart diagnostic reasoning engine that continually optimizes the aviation troubleshooting process. By incorporating mechanic field experience into Veryon's troubleshooting engine, the solution dramatically improves first-time fix rates, reduces the time spent on unscheduled maintenance and facilitates aircraft to return to service more quickly.

Veryon's comprehensive fault isolation solution is used by the technical help desks and field support of Dassault, Gulfstream and Rolls-Royce, as well as service centres, aircraft operators and flight departments.

"We're honoured that Rolls-Royce has entrusted us with such an important part of how they support their global customers," said Norman Happ, chief executive officer of Veryon. "Our technology platform is ideal for customers like Rolls-Royce to accelerate return-to-service through our AI-powered continuous learning troubleshooting process. The platform is proven to support partners in reducing troubleshooting time by 50 percent and achieving a remarkable 90 percent success rate in first-time fixes."

easyJet and Rolls-Royce hydrogen research project marks key milestone success

Rolls-Royce announced this week a further key milestone, a world industry first, has been achieved in its hydrogen research project.

Both Rolls-Royce and its partner easyJet are committed to being at the forefront of the development of hydrogen combustion engine technology capable of powering a range of aircraft, including those in the narrow-body market segment, from the mid-2030s onwards.

Now, working with Loughborough University in the UK and the German Aerospace Centre Deutsches Zentrum für Luft-und Raumfahrt (DLR), Rolls-Royce has proven a critical engine technology that marks another significant step in the journey to enabling hydrogen  as an aviation fuel.

Tests on a full annular combustor of a Pearl 700 engine at DLR in Cologne running on 100% hydrogen have proven the fuel can be combusted at conditions that represent maximum take-off thrust.

Key to that achievement has been the successful design of advanced fuel spray nozzles to control the combustion process. This involved overcoming significant engineering challenges as hydrogen burns far hotter and more rapidly than kerosene. The new nozzles were able to control the flame position using a new system that progressively mixes air with the hydrogen to manage the fuel’s reactivity. Rolls-Royce is pleased to confirm that combustor operability and emissions were both in line with expectations.

The individual nozzles were initially tested at intermediate pressure at Loughborough’s recently upgraded test facilities and at DLR Cologne before the final full-pressure combustor tests took place at DLR Cologne.

Last year, easyJet and Rolls-Royce also set a world first by successfully running a modern aero engine, an AE2100, on green hydrogen at Boscombe Down, UK.

Date set for first long-haul flight to operate with 100% sustainable aviation fuel

Virgin Atlantic and Rolls-Royce this week confirmed the successful Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blend ground test on the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engine. The test marks a key milestone in the project which will see the world's first 100% SAF flight travel across the Atlantic from London Heathrow to New York JFK on a Boeing 787, set to take off on November 28, 2023.

Virgin Atlantic led consortium confirms the world's first 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel flight across the Atlantic will fly on November 28, 2023, departing from London-Heathrow to NYC's John F. Kennedy International Airport, pending further regulatory approvals and testing

SAF blend of 88% HEFA and 12% aromatics completes successful ground test on Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engine, a key milestone in approvals process

Fuel supplier announced as Air bp and Virent, who will supply the 60 tonnes of SAF required for project

In addition to the test, fuel suppliers Air bp and Virent have been announced to supply the 60 tonnes of SAF to be used in the world first, supporting consortium research, testing and the flight itself. The SAF will be produced through the Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) pathway as well as synthetic aromatic kerosene (SAK) SAF at an 88% and 12% blend ratio.

Virgin Atlantic is committed to finding more sustainable ways to fly on our mission to Net Zero 2050. Already operating one of the most fuel and carbon efficient fleets across the Atlantic, this flight builds on the airline's 15-year track record for leading on SAF. Demonstrating that through radical collaboration, industry can deliver 100% SAF in today's engine, airframes and fuel infrastructure for long haul flight.

SAF typically delivers CO2 life cycle emissions savings of more than 70% whilst performing like traditional jet fuel. SAF has a fundamental role to play in aviation's decarbonization and pathway to Net Zero 2050. Today, SAF represents less than 0.1% of jet fuel volumes and fuel standards allow for just a 50% SAF blend in commercial jet engines. The one-off Virgin Atlantic flight in November will demonstrate the potential of SAF as a 100% drop-in replacement for fossil fuel today.

The realization of the 100% SAF transatlantic flight taking to the skies is a challenging task requiring cross industry collaboration and dedicated project teams working on the research, testing and operations to make it happen. The Virgin Atlantic led consortium, joint funded by the UK Department for Transport, includes Rolls Royce, Boeing, University of Sheffield, Imperial College London and Rocky Mountain Institute. The successful bench engine test is a key milestone, however further permissions and safety approvals are required for the flight to take off in November. 

Successful hydrogen engine test completed by Rolls-Royce and easyJet

Rolls-Royce and easyJet confirmed they have set a new aviation milestone with the world’s first run of a modern aero engine on hydrogen.

The ground test was conducted on an early concept demonstrator using green hydrogen created by wind and tidal power. It marks a major step towards proving that hydrogen could be a zero-carbon aviation fuel of the future and is a key proof point in the decarbonisation strategies of both Rolls-Royce and easyJet.

Both companies have set out to prove that hydrogen can safely and efficiently deliver power for civil aero engines and are already planning a second set of tests, with a longer-term ambition to carry out flight tests.

The test took place at an outdoor test facility at MoD Boscombe Down, UK using a converted Rolls-Royce AE 2100-A regional aircraft engine. Green hydrogen for the tests was supplied by EMEC (European Marine Energy Centre), generated using renewable energy at their hydrogen production and tidal test facility on Eday in the Orkney Islands, UK.

Grazia Vittadini, Chief Technology Officer, Rolls-Royce, said: “The success of this hydrogen test is an exciting milestone. We only announced our partnership with easyJet in July and we are already off to an incredible start with this landmark achievement. We are pushing the boundaries to discover the zero carbon possibilities of hydrogen, which could help reshape the future of flight.”

Johan Lundgren, CEO of easyJet, said: “This is a real success for our partnership team. We are committed to continuing to support this ground-breaking research because hydrogen offers great possibilities for a range of aircraft, including easyJet-sized aircraft. That will be a huge step forward in meeting the challenge of net zero by 2050.”

Following analysis of this early concept ground test, the partnership plans a series of further rig tests leading up to a full-scale ground test of a Rolls-Royce Pearl 15 jet engine.

The partnership is inspired by the global, UN-backed Race to Zero campaign that both companies have signed up to, committing to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Rolls-Royce and easyJet set aviation world first successful hydrogen engine test run

Rolls-Royce and easyJet today confirmed they have set a new aviation milestone with the world’s first run of a modern aero engine on hydrogen.

The ground test was conducted on an early concept demonstrator using green hydrogen created by wind and tidal power. It marks a major step towards proving that hydrogen could be a zero-carbon aviation fuel of the future and is a key proof point in the decarbonisation strategies of both Rolls-Royce and easyJet.

Both companies have set out to prove that hydrogen can safely and efficiently deliver power for civil aero engines and are already planning a second set of tests, with a longer-term ambition to carry out flight tests.

The test took place at an outdoor test facility at MoD Boscombe Down, UK using a converted Rolls-Royce AE 2100-A regional aircraft engine. Green hydrogen for the tests was supplied by EMEC (European Marine Energy Centre), generated using renewable energy at their hydrogen production and tidal test facility on Eday in the Orkney Islands, UK.

Grazia Vittadini, Chief Technology Officer, Rolls-Royce, said: “The success of this hydrogen test is an exciting milestone. We only announced our partnership with easyJet in July and we are already off to an incredible start with this landmark achievement. We are pushing the boundaries to discover the zero carbon possibilities of hydrogen, which could help reshape the future of flight.”

Johan Lundgren, CEO of easyJet, said: “This is a real success for our partnership team. We are committed to continuing to support this ground-breaking research because hydrogen offers great possibilities for a range of aircraft, including easyJet-sized aircraft. That will be a huge step forward in meeting the challenge of net zero by 2050.”

Following analysis of this early concept ground test, the partnership plans a series of further rig tests leading up to a full-scale ground test of a Rolls-Royce Pearl 15 jet engine.

The partnership is inspired by the global, UN-backed Race to Zero campaign that both companies have signed up to, committing to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

easyJet and Rolls-Royce pioneer hydrogen engine combustion technology in H2ZERO partnership

easyJet and Rolls-Royce today announced a ground-breaking new partnership, H2ZERO, that will pioneer the development of hydrogen combustion engine technology capable of powering a range of aircraft, including those in the narrow-body market segment.

Both companies have committed to working together on a series of engine tests on the ground, starting later this year and have a shared ambition to take the technology into the air. The objective of the partnership is to demonstrate that hydrogen has the potential to power a range of aircraft from the mid-2030s onwards.

While Rolls-Royce will bring its expertise in engine development and combustion systems, easyJet will contribute its operational knowledge and experience to H2ZERO and will also directly invest in the test programme.

Through H2ZERO, the companies will support an early concept ground test of a Rolls-Royce AE2100 engine in the UK later this year. This will be followed by a full-scale ground test of a Rolls-Royce Pearl 15 jet engine - a range of location options are being assessed for this including the Rolls-Royce test facility in Mississippi, USA. The programme will build on initial hydrogen combustion and fuel system rig tests that Rolls-Royce is undertaking with both Cranfield and Loughborough universities.

H2ZERO is inspired by the global, UN-backed Race to Zero campaign that both companies have signed up to, committing to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The agreement announced today follows a research project that both companies began in 2021, developing market analysis, driving specifications, investigating infrastructure and regulatory requirements to support the use of hydrogen in aviation.

Rolls-Royce and Hyundai Motor Group sign MOU for all electric and hydrogen developments.....

(From left) Rob Watson, President Rolls-Royce; Vittadini, Group Chief Technology and Strategy Officer, Rolls-Royce; Warren East, CEO, Rolls-Royce; Euisun Chung, Executive Chair of Hyundai Motor Group; Jaiwon Shin, President and Head of AAM Division of Hyundai Motor Group; Jaeyong Song, Vice President of AAM Division of Hyundai Motor Group

Rolls-Royce and Hyundai Motor Group are announcing plans today to collaborate on bringing all-electric propulsion and hydrogen fuel cell technology to the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) market. The partnership will leverage Rolls-Royce's aviation and certification capabilities and Hyundai Motor Group's hydrogen fuel cell technologies and industrialisation capability. Both companies share a vision of leading the way in the AAM market delivering battery-electric and fuel cell electric solutions to the Urban Air Mobility (UAM) and Regional Air Mobility (RAM) markets and advancing sustainable aviation.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Rolls-Royce and Hyundai Motor Group includes five strategic aims:

Collaborating on the technology development and requirements of power and propulsion systems for Hyundai's Advanced Air Mobility Division.

Collaborating on the industrialisation of Rolls-Royce power and propulsion systems for the Advanced Air Mobility market.

Development of electric propulsion systems based upon hydrogen fuel cells as an energy source for Hyundai's RAM platforms.

Collaborating to bring to market a joint fuel-cell electric propulsion system to the wider AAM market.

Delivering a joint fuel-cell electric aircraft demonstration by 2025.

The signing ceremony took place at Supernal's booth at Farnborough Airshow and was attended by Warren East, CEO of Rolls-Royce, Grazia Vittadini, Chief Technology and Strategy Officer and Rob Watson, President of Rolls-Royce Electrical as well as Euisun Chung, Executive Chair of Hyundai Motor Group, Jaiwon Shin, President and Head of AAM Division of Hyundai Motor Group, and Jaeyong Song, Vice President of AAM Division of Hyundai Motor Group.

easyJet and Rolls-Royce to collaborate on future aviation sustainability research

easyJet and Rolls-Royce have confirmed they will be working together on research into industry-wide sustainability solutions for commercial aircraft.

The study, which will commence in January 2022 and run for up to two years, will seek to explore alternative energy and power solutions, including low carbon and zero-emission technologies, and their application for aircraft. The study will include analysis of wider elements of the aviation energy and operational ecosystem, including fuel production, transportation, storage and handling. 

The airline and world-leading engine manufacturer are working together to further develop knowledge of these topics in relation to both electrical and hydrogen-based power systems.

For further insight and understanding, both companies intend to involve a wide range of expertise, including energy providers, airports and aviation safety regulators.

David Morgan, Director of Flight Operations, easyJet, said:  “easyJet remains absolutely committed to sustainable flying and a zero-emissions future.  We know that technology is a key driver to achieve our decarbonisation targets. Disruptive technologies such as electric and hydrogen propulsion show great potential for short-haul airlines like easyJet and we look forward to collaborating with Rolls-Royce to support bringing this technology to maturity as early as possible.”

 Jason Ash, Head of Product Development – Large Engines, Rolls-Royce, said:  “We know that Sustainable Aviation Fuels already provide a drop-in solution, and so will have the most powerful impact on decarbonising aviation and achieving Net Zero by 2050. But we also want to better understand other forms of propulsion, energy and power and their potential benefits along with the challenges in operation. We look forward to working closely with easyJet to increase our understanding in these areas.” 

More top stories you might be interested in.....

Aviation Industry Chief Technology Officers Issue Joint Call to Action to Deliver Sustainable Aviation Plans

Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) of seven of the world's leading aerospace manufacturers have reaffirmed their commitment to achieving more sustainable aviation and to reaching industry-wide Air Transport Action Group targets in a joint statement. This statement updates a commitment made by a unified group of CTOs in June 2019 as part of a shared position to support the aviation sector's ambition to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The CTOs of Airbus, Boeing, Dassault Aviation, GE Aviation, Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce, and Safran will also issue a call to action to policymakers, research institutions, suppliers, fuel producers and airport operators to build on the progress made in recent years and deliver on the aviation sector's sustainability agenda.

The joint statement comes as the CTOs come together to discuss progress in aviation sustainability at a pre COP26 event and industry showcase held in London by ADS, the organisation that represents the aerospace, defence, security and space industries in the United Kingdom.

The CTOs of each company have committed to working together to focus on three core areas of aviation technology:

Advancing the state-of-the-art in aircraft and engine design and technology

Supporting increased availability and adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and investigating hydrogen as a fuel of the future

Continuing to develop novel technologies that will eventually enable net-zero carbon aviation while maintaining the safety and quality standards of the industry.

The seven CTOs, whose firms have spent over $75B in R&D combined over the past five years, are calling for:

A sustained and planned approach from policymakers to support the development of novel technologies and stimulate the ramp-up of SAF and green hydrogen production capacity

A globally consistent approach to regulation and certification standards

Collaboration between research institutions and aerospace suppliers in the development of the new technologies

Investment in SAF production capacity by fuel producers

Investment by airport operators in the infrastructure required to support novel aviation technologies

Since the 2019 joint commitment, actions taken by the seven companies towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions have ranged from improvements to the fleet-in-service today and technologies for the future:

Airbus announced its ambition to deliver the world's first zero-emission aircraft by 2035, unveiling three hydrogen-powered concept aircraft that highlight the company's commitment to developing this high-potential technology for commercial aviation. Airbus is also engaged in 100% SAF climate-impact projects that are a part of its overall roadmap towards certification for the entry-into-service of 100% SAF on its fleet by 2030.

Boeing committed that their commercial airplanes will be capable to fly on 100% SAF by 2030, continues to test new technologies on its ecoDemonstrator program and announced a partnership with SkyNRG and SkyNRG Americas to scale up SAF. Boeing and Kitty Hawk also formed Wisk, a joint venture to advance the future of urban air mobility with more than 1,500 test flights of its self-flying, all-electric air taxi. Boeing completed a fifth hydrogen flight test program; this time with subsidiary Insitu on their ScanEagle3 unmanned aerial vehicle which was powered by a proton exchange membrane (PEM) hydrogen fuel cell.

Dassault Aviation actively promotes the use of SAF and its Falcon range is already SAF-compatible. Within Clean Sky 2 at the European level and France's civil aviation research council (Corac), Dassault Aviation's work focuses on lowering fuel consumption by reducing aircraft drag and weight. With the European Sesar program, Dassault Aviation works to improve flight efficiency and fuel consumption through the use of specially-tailored flight paths. Dassault Aviation is also involved in Corac projects related to the use of hydrogen in future aircraft.

GE Aviation is maturing a megawatt-class integrated hybrid electric powertrain to demonstrate flight readiness for single-aisle aircraft with NASA, and is leading industry efforts to define standards for 100% SAF.

GE and Safran jointly launched the CFM RISE (Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines) program in June 2021 to demonstrate and mature disruptive technologies including open fan and hybrid electric targeting more than 20% lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared to today's most efficient engines. Program goals include ensuring 100% compatibility with SAF and hydrogen.

Pratt & Whitney announced a major new investment towards developing a hybrid-electric flight demonstrator, in partnership with De Havilland Canada, Collins Aerospace, and the Canadian government, targeting a 30% improvement in fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions compared to current regional turboprop aircraft. Pratt & Whitney is also developing technologies for a more efficient engine core and recently opened a new engineering and development facility in Carlsbad, California, dedicated to ceramic matrix composites (CMC) to support this effort. It is continuing to validate engines operating with up to 100% SAF.

Rolls-Royce has joined the UN Race to Zero and has pledged to prove all its Trent engines – accounting for 40% of the world's long-haul fleet – are compatible with 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by 2023, aligned with the UN Race to Zero breakthrough on SAF take-up by 2030. It has tied its SAF compatibility goals to executive remuneration and has tested two widebody and one business jet engine types on 100% SAF; and signed an MoU with Shell agreeing to develop and accelerate the use of SAF. It has developed and flown what it expects to be the world's fastest all-electric aircraft and signed agreements in the all-electric and UAM markets with customers to power products due to fly by the middle of this decade.

Safran has created a strategic partnership with TotalEnergies to accelerate the reduction of CO2 emissions of the aviation industry by jointly working for the development and deployment of SAF that could completely replace fossil kerosene in current and future engines.  Safran and Airbus will leverage the skills and test facilities of their JV ArianeGroup to prepare hydrogen technologies for aviation.

In their joint statement, the CTOs note that flying today uses 80% less fuel per Revenue Passenger Kilometer (RPK) than it did fifty years ago and that aviation accounts for 2.5% of all man-made CO2 emissions, while generating 4% of global GDP and supporting 88 million jobs.

Full call for action can be found here. 

More top stories you might be interested in.....

Follow this site here.

IATA Welcomes Rolls-Royce Commitment to Open Aftermarket Best Practice

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Rolls-Royce plc have signed a joint statement that clarifies the engine manufacturer’s ongoing commitment to an open and competitive approach to its maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services.

The document was finalized after several months of productive and collaborative dialogue on industry best practice for engine MRO services.

Both organizations are aligned on four key principles that underpin the Rolls-Royce approach to the MRO ecosystem and are included in the official statement:

 

Rolls-Royce does not prevent the development of legitimate non-OEM parts or non-OEM repairs by MRO providers and independent parts manufacturers, as long as they are approved by the appropriate airworthiness regulator;

 

Rolls-Royce’s policy is to grant airlines, lessors and MRO providers non-discriminatory access to OEM parts, repairs and support (including access to Rolls-Royce Care);

 

Rolls-Royce does not discriminate against airlines, lessors or MRO providers that use non-OEM parts or repairs;

 

Rolls-Royce will not insist that airlines or lessors subscribe to Rolls-Royce services.

Rolls-Royce starts testing most powerful hybrid-electric propulsion system in aerospace

Rolls-Royce has started testing the first elements of the most powerful hybrid-electric aero power and propulsion system in aerospace at a newly-renovated testbed.

The tests are part of the 2.5 megawatt (MW) Power Generation System 1 (PGS1) demonstrator programme, for future regional aircraft.

Rolls-Royce has begun testing the AE2100 engine element and specialist controls and thermal management system, supported by a system integration generator, at our Testbed 108 in Bristol, UK.

Later this year a fully operational generator and a 3,000-volt power electronics system, currently completing testing at our facility in Trondheim, Norway, will be brought together to start full PGS1 system testing. The generator can be used either for hybrid-electric propulsion systems or as part of a “more-electric” system for larger aircraft.

PGS1 forms an important element of our sustainability strategy, which includes developing innovative electrical power and propulsion systems, as well as further improving gas turbine performance and promoting the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels.

Rolls-Royce launches cybersecurity research network with Purdue, Carnegie Mellon universities

Rolls-Royce has launched a new cybersecurity research network with two of the leading universities in the field, focused on enhancing product security for platforms with the company’s propulsion and power systems.

Purdue University, in West Lafayette, Indiana, and Carnegie Mellon University, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, have joined the Rolls-Royce Cybersecurity Technology Research Network and have already begun research projects. Carnegie Mellon and Purdue feature prominently in the field of cybersecurity technology and will conduct additional research funded by Rolls-Royce to strengthen the security of Rolls-Royce propulsion and power systems. The first research project will focus on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for intrusion detection in resource-limited embedded systems, with both universities participating.

Rolls-Royce in negotiations with Spanish authorities over ITP Aero sale

Rolls-Royce has confirmed it is in talks with Spanish authorities over the sale of its Spanish unit ITP Aero, after it emerged in the press the government may block any deals.  

The British firm is hoping to complete a €1.5 billion deal for the sale of turbine blade-maker ITP Aero, which is up for grabs as the firm seeks to secure a more sound financial footing following the coronavirus pandemic. 

The Bloomberg news agency reported on Friday the sale could be blocked by Spain unless the buyer could offer reassurances about ITP's future. However, the Spanish industry ministry has declined to comment.

Rolls-Royce confirmed that the relevant Spanish authorities were involved in the process and talks were positive. "The Spanish and Basque governments are important stakeholders and there is an ongoing and constructive dialogue with them,"

More top stories you might be interested in.....

Rolls-Royce and Tecnam join forces with Widerøe to deliver an all-electric passenger aircraft ready for service in 2026

Rolls-Royce and airframer Tecnam are joining forces with Widerøe – the largest regional airline in Scandinavia, to deliver an all-electric passenger aircraft for the commuter market, ready for revenue service in 2026. The project expands on the successful research programme between Rolls-Royce and Widerøe on sustainable aviation and the existing partnership between Rolls-Royce and Tecnam on powering the all-electric P-Volt aircraft.

Stein Nilsen, Chief Executive, Widerøe said: “Norway’s extensive network of short take-off and landing airports is ideal for zero-emissions technologies. This aircraft shows how quickly new technology can and will be developed, and that we are on track with our ambition of flying with zero emissions around 2025.”

Rob Watson, Director – Rolls-Royce Electrical, said: “Electrification will help us deliver our ambition to enable the markets in which we operate achieve net-zero carbon by 2050. This collaboration strengthens our existing relationships with Tecnam and Widerøe as we look to explore what is needed to deliver an all-electric passenger aircraft for the commuter market. It also demonstrates Rolls-Royce’s ambitions to be the leading supplier of all-electric and hybrid-electric propulsion and power systems across multiple aviation markets.”

18 hours non-stop and counting..........the power behind ultra-long-range flights

We want to get where we’re going as quickly and as easily as possible. Travellers prefer non-stop flights to journeys with a break because they avoid the stresses associated with connecting flights and additional security procedures. Now more than ever, the option to fly non-stop, no matter how far away the final destination may be, is a valuable one, as it provides peace of mind and the convenience needed during times of uncertainty.

Flights connecting some of the farthest cities in the world are referred to as ultra-long-range flights. These flights are defined as being 16 hours or more.

There were almost 3,000 scheduled flights that fall under the ultra-long-range category last year, with the main connections between the following regions:

So how does one of the worlds leading aero-engine makers serve this small but high-value market? The airlines need an engine that operates efficiently on some of the longest flights in the world, but which also provides unrivalled economics across the rest of their network. The answer is the Airbus A350 XWB, powered by the most efficient large aero engine in service, the Trent XWB.

A short history of long-range flight

Rolls-Royce is synonymous with innovation that has created new possibilities. This is particularly evident from the way in which we have revolutionised how people connect throughout our history, continuing to do so today, and into the future. With people valuing their time more and more, it has become more important than ever to be able to connect with people and places as efficiently as possible. Rolls-Royce is perfectly placed to continue to support these needs. Thanks to our capabilities, expertise and technologies, we continue to lead the way in powering ultra-long-range travel efficiently and reliably.

The Trent XWB, which is the sixth generation of the Trent family, powers the longest commercial flight in the world. But we have a long history in powering ultra-long-range, record-breaking flights. Over the past century daring aviators have pushed the boundaries of engineering to win prizes, conquer new frontiers, and make the world smaller for passengers around the world.

Rolls-Royce seeks $2.6 billion

in make-or-break share issue

By Sarah Young

Photo  REUTERS/Edgar Su

 Aero-engine maker Rolls-Royce will ask shareholders on Tuesday for 2 billion pounds ($2.6 billion) in a make-or-break attempt to survive the COVID-19 pandemic, which has stopped planes flying and hammered its finances.

At stake is the future of a company which has been at the heart of manufacturing in Britain for more than 100 years, making engines that powered World War Two bombers and still drive the country’s fighter jets and nuclear submarines.

Investors are expected to back the rights issue, supporting CEO Warren East’s plan to cut 9,000 jobs and close factories to adjust to a lower level of demand from airline customers that fly with Rolls engines on Boeing 787s and Airbus 350s.

Shareholder advisory groups Institutional Shareholder Services and Glass Lewis have both urged clients to back the fundraising.

“We find the terms of the proposed rights issue to be reasonable,” Glass Lewis said in a note, while ISS said the rationale was “compelling”.

Investors can buy 10 new shares for every three they own at 32 pence each, a 41% discount to the theoretical ex-rights price.

International industry collaboration on Future Combat Air capability takes a significant step forward

UK, Sweden and Italy have begun trilateral industry discussions to strengthen collaboration between the three nations, as they develop world-leading future combat air capability.

The new trilateral framework, sees industry from the three nations bringing together their skills and expertise in the Combat Air sector to collaborate on the research and development of cutting-edge technologies.

The three national industries comprise leading defence companies from the UK (BAE Systems, Leonardo UK, Rolls Royce and MBDA UK), Italy (Leonardo Italy, Elettronica, Avio Aero and MBDA Italia) and Sweden (Saab and GKN Aerospace Sweden).

The recent announcement builds on bilateral discussions, which have taken place between the UK and Swedish and Italian industries, and establishes a formal trilateral industry group. Together, the companies will assess common routes to future combat air capability using their know-how, expertise and technology development activities across current and future combat air systems.

Exploring sustainable supersonic flight - Rolls-Royce & Boom

Rolls-Royce is working with Boom Supersonic, an aerospace company that is building the world’s fastest civil aircraft, to explore a propulsion system for Overture, Boom's flagship supersonic passenger aircraft.

Boom is aiming to usher in a new era of supersonic passenger flight, utilising the latest aerospace technology and the aero-engine giant is looking to identify the propulsion systems that would complement Boom’s Overture airframe and will explore whether an existing engine design could be adapted for supersonic flight.

The two firms are working together and abide by the Rolls-Royce commitment to sustainability, ensuring that the benefits of supersonic flight can be felt while still achieving key environmental goals.

Can supersonic travel be sustainable?