Rolls-Royce proves new technology as Trent 8104 clears 110,000lb thrust

Citation

(1999), "Rolls-Royce proves new technology as Trent 8104 clears 110,000lb thrust", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 71 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.1999.12771cab.050

Rolls-Royce proves new technology as Trent 8104 clears 110,000lb thrust

Rolls-Royce proves new technology as Trent 8104 clears 110,000lb thrust

Keywords Aero engines, Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce plc, the civil aerospace, defence and energy group, announced recently that the Trent 8104 engine has exceeded 110,000lb thrust during initial test runs.

The Trent 8104 is proving new technologies which will benefit all new members of the Trent series, the most successful family of large aero engines on offer in the world today.

Innovative features include the new "swept" fan blade, which introduces the fourth generation of advanced design. The advanced aerofoil design passes a greater airflow and claims improvements in fuel efficiency. The "swept" blades are also stated to be stronger, increasing resistance to bird strike impact and runway debris.

The intermediate and high pressure compressors benefit from state-of-the-art design techniques, such as 3D computational fluid dynamics, which provides improved airflow control. This advanced technological development will also be applicable to other members of the Trent family.

Phil Hopton, Rolls-Royce Trent 800 project director, said: "These are exciting results in a design and manufacturing programme which saw the first engine run achieved on schedule after 15 months. Results have matched predictions and bear out our confidence in the continuing growth of the Trent engine."