Dreamliner-Spec Engine Starts On First Try

Rolls-Royce successfully completed the first test-bed run Tuesday of its Trent 1000 engine, being developed for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The engine fired right on time, against a schedule set almost three years ago.

As launch engine on the Boeing 787, the Trent 1000 is the first of the aircraft's powerplants to run -- and Rolls Royce expects it will also be the first in the air when it takes to the skies on a 747 flying test bed in the first quarter of 2007.

Following certification next summer, the Trent 1000 will power the 787 Dreamliner's first flight, and will begin commercial operations with launch customer All Nippon Airways (ANA) in the middle of 2008.

Rolls-Royce tells Aero-News the test engine started electrically, on its first try, using a new design feature called IP Power Offtake. This involves dual-use starter-generators, which act as both electrical starters on the ground and power generators while airborne.

In flight, power will be created by mechanically driving the generators using the engine's intermediate pressure compressor. It will also supply power for the cabin Environmental Conditioning System (ECS), rather than using conventional bleed air.

Each Trent 1000 is capable of generating around 0.5MW of electrical energy to power the increased number of electrical systems used in the Boeing 787.

"Initial testing is proceeding very smoothly, and everything we've seen is in line with expectations," said Dominic Horwood, Director of Boeing Programs at Rolls-Royce. "We have delivered on our promise to our customers to run the Trent 1000 on time, and that's really important to us. It's just a great start to our program."

"It is exciting for the entire international 787 team to see the progress being made on the first 787 engine," said Mike Bair, Vice President and General Manager of the 787 program at Boeing. "Rolls-Royce is helping us demonstrate to the airlines of the world that the faith they have placed in us with their overwhelming response to the 787 Dreamliner is well deserved. Together, we will meet their expectations."

The first engine is one of seven to be used in ground testing, while a further nine are earmarked for the flight test program. With a range of thrust from 53,200 lbs to 75,000 lbs, the Trent 1000 is capable of powering all versions of the 787 Dreamliner.

The engine will also feature 15-percent lower fuel burn than those of a decade ago, while delivering 40-percent lower emissions than required by current international legislation.

FMI: www.rollsroyce.com, www.boeing.com