Rolls-Royce lean-burn combustion test engine runs for the first time

Rolls-Royce has run a demonstrator engine specifically devoted to the optimisation of a new lean-burn and low-emissions combustion system for the first time. This system is being designed for future jet engine programmes.
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The ALECSys (Advanced Low Emissions Combustion System) demonstrator successfully ran for the first time on a testbed in Derby, UK. Technology from the system features in both the Advance3 and the UltraFan demonstrator programmes. The lean-burn system improves the pre-mixing of fuel and air prior to ignition – delivering a more complete combustion of the fuel and, as a result, lower NOx and particulate emissions, both of which are increasingly important to airline customers in terms of operating economics and environmental performance.

The lean-burn system will play an important part in delivering the IntelligentEngine, Rolls-Royce’s vision for the future, as it builds on pioneering technology and digital capabilities to deliver important benefits for customers.