Rolls-Royce is preparing to build a composite technology centre in Bristol, UK, to develop an advanced fan system for its future aero-engines.
The facility will produce next-generation fan blades and fan cases using carbon-fibre composite materials. It will support the region with 120 jobs by the end of 2019.
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The blades and composite engine casings will be equipped on a CTi (carbon/titanium) fan system, which will be a key component of Rolls-Royce’s new Advance engine, reducing weight by up to 1,500lb per aircraft.
Rolls-Royce aerospace president Tony Wood said: "This state-of-the-art facility will give us the opportunity to further develop our world-leading composite technology and manufacturing techniques for our next-generation of engine design.
"These high-technology lightweight components have the potential to significantly improve the fuel consumption and emissions of future aircraft through our new Rolls-Royce Advance and UltraFan demonstrators."
The Advance engine is claimed to offer at least 20% in fuel efficiency and emit less CO2 compared to the first generation of Trent aero-engines.
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By GlobalDataThe new pre-production facility will be built adjacent to the company’s facility for carbon-fibre electrical harness rafts at the Bristol complex.
Both facilities will feature technology being developed by Rolls-Royce in partnership with the National Composites Centre in Bristol, and the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre at the University of Bristol.
Rolls-Royce will transfer its existing CTi manufacturing technology capability and staff at its facility on the Isle of Wight during 2017.
In 2014, the company completed a full flight test programme of CTi fan blades equipped on a Rolls-Royce 747 flying test bed in Arizona, US.
Image: The blades and composite engine casings produced at Bristol plant will be equipped on Rolls-Royce’s CTi fan system. Photo: courtesy of Rolls-Royce plc.
