Rolls-Royce CTi fan blade flies for first time

The Rolls-Royce composite carbon/titanium (CTi) fan blade for the Advance and UltraFan engine designs has taken to the skies for the first time, marking another milestone for the programme.
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A set of the CTi fan blades successfully completed a first flight incorporated into a Trent 1000 “donor” engine, on a Rolls-Royce 747 flying test bed at Tucson, Arizona, USA.

The Advance engine design will offer at least 20 per cent less fuel burn and CO₂ emissions than the first generation of Rolls-Royce Trent engine and could be ready for entry into service from 2020.

UltraFan, a geared design with a variable pitch fan system, is based on technology that could be ready for service from 2025 and will offer at least 25 per cent less fuel and CO₂ emissions against the same baseline.

Simon Carlisle, Rolls-Royce, executive vice president strategy and future programmes – Civil Large Engines, said: “This first flight is another major milestone for our Advance and UltraFan engine designs. The CTi fan set will now undergo a range of flight tests.”