Rolls-Royce demonstrator takes to the skies

Rolls-Royce has successfully tested its latest low emissions aero engine technology at altitude.

Its ALECSys (Advanced Low Emissions Combustion System) demonstrator engine recently took to the skies attached to the Rolls-Royce Boeing 747 Flying Test Bed at Tucson, Arizona, in the US.

The test programme included flights up to 40,000 feet, as well as a number of engine relights at different conditions, all of which were successful.

According to the firm, the innovative lean-burn combustion system improves the pre-mixing of fuel and air prior to ignition, enabling cleaner combustion of the fuel, which results in lower NOX and particulate emissions.

The ALECSys engine demonstrator had previously completed a comprehensive set of ground tests, including icing, water ingestion, ground operability, emissions and running on 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

ALECSys is part of the UltraFan engine demonstrator programme, which offers a 25% fuel saving over the first generation of Trent engines.

Simon Burr, Rolls-Royce’s director of product development and technology (civil aerospace), said: “We are very pleased to see the ALECSys engine now flying.

“This flight testing is a key part of our drive to not only improve engine efficiency but all aspects of environmental performance.

“It is part of the wider Rolls-Royce sustainability strategy, which also includes support for the increased use of sustainable aviation fuels and intensive research into alternative propulsion architectures and technologies.”