Imagine a jet engine that works like a high-tech hybrid car, combining electricity with clean fuels like hydrogen. Instead of just burning kerosene, it uses a smarter design to waste less energy and cut pollution. It's like upgrading a standard engine to a super-efficient version that can scale from small to large planes.
Short and medium range aircraft contribute to roughly 50% of air transport emissions. Current engine technology lacks the efficiency and fuel flexibility needed to reach net-zero targets by 2035.
A scalable, geared engine architecture (UltraFan) that integrates hybrid-electric systems and supports Green Hydrogen and SAF. This includes a new aeromechanics test facility for fan flutter.
If you are an airline operator dealing with high carbon emissions in the short-haul market — this project developed an evolved UltraFan architecture that targets a 20% fuel burn reduction. This allows for more sustainable flight operations and lower fuel costs.
If you are an engine maker dealing with the transition to net-zero fuels — this project developed a geared engine architecture compatible with Green Hydrogen and SAF. It provides a credible path to meeting strict efficiency targets for the 2035 entry into service.
If you are a hydrogen producer dealing with the need for large-scale industrial off-takers — this project developed a propulsion system specifically designed to use Green Hydrogen. This creates a massive new market for hydrogen in the short and medium range aircraft sector.
Based on available project data, there is no specific information regarding the unit cost or pricing of the engine architecture.
Yes, the UltraFan architecture was designed from inception to be scalable to meet the needs of both widebody and short and medium range (SMR) markets.
Based on available project data, the project is coordinated by Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG, but specific licensing terms are not provided.
The project aims to validate the design to support a 2035 Entry Into Service (EIS).
The project focuses on a geared engine architecture that combines gas turbine efficiency with hybrid-electric technology to reduce wasted energy.
The consortium is heavily weighted toward industrial application, with 8 industry partners (40% of the 20 total partners) and 9 universities. The presence of Rolls-Royce as coordinator and easyJet as an operational partner ensures that the technical development is aligned with actual airline market requirements and operational needs.
Contact Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG regarding UltraFan architecture
Contact us to explore partnership opportunities with the HEAVEN consortium.
