Rolls-Royce testbeds will simulate flying conditions at high altitude
Rolls-Royce has confirmed that it opened a new indoor testbed at the cost of £90m, which took three years to construct.
The new equipment, that goes by the name of Testbed 80, will measure the performance of the FTSE 100 aviation company’s engines for long-haul passenger aeroplanes.
It will also develop the newest generation of UltraFan engines, evaluate the impact of sustainable fuels and aid the development of electric and hybrid systems for future planes.
Warren East, Rolls-Royce chief executive, commented: “Testbed 80 is the largest facility of its type in the world. It is not only big — it is also smart, and features the most advanced testing technology we have ever used.”
“This incredible piece of infrastructure is a very visible sign of our commitment to this site and secures the future of Derby as the home of large-engine development, continuing a history that began in the late 1960s with the RB211 [forerunner of the current family of Trent engines].”
The purpose of testbeds are to simulate flying conditions at high altitude and test the performance of engines under normal circumstances and in the event of a hazard.
Because it is located in a residential area in Derby, the facility must be sound-proofed, so as not to disturb residents.
Opening the site, Kwasi Kwarteng, the business secretary, said: “This testbed shows the UK remains a global leader in aeroengine technology [and] will create high skilled, well-paid jobs for decades to come.
“The innovation of great British companies such as Rolls-Royce and the entire aerospace sector are central to our plans to build back better from the pandemic and end our contribution to climate change by 2050.”
At lunchtime on Friday the Rolls-Royce share price (LON:RR) is up by 1.33% to 108.48p. Since the beginning of the year the Rolls-Royce share price is down by 2.45%
