The team behind
Rolls-Royce’s revolutionary UltraFan has been awarded a Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) Team Gold Medal for its major contribution to the advancement of aerospace engineering. With its 140in fan diameter, UltraFan is the world’s largest demonstrator aero engine, containing a suite of scalable new technologies that deliver greater fuel efficiency.
By enabling lower emissions and advancing sustainable practices, UltraFan contributes significantly to the aerospace industry’s goal of achieving ‘net zero’ carbon emissions by 2050. The demonstrator was successfully tested using 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), derived primarily from waste-based feedstocks such as used cooking oils.
The UltraFan team was recognised for its groundbreaking work in five critical development phases, showcasing Rolls-Royce’s commitment to innovation:
Concept Design: A multidisciplinary team of around 25 engineers developed an innovative engine concept design, working with minimal constraints and a clear focus on delivering a transformative step forward in performance
Advanced Core Architecture: The Advance 3 demonstrator redefined the engine’s core design, achieving record-breaking pressure ratios above 60:1, higher turbine entry temperatures and significant emissions reductions
Power Gearbox Innovation: UltraFan features the world’s most powerful aerospace gearbox, capable of over 65 MW, enough to power 500 family cars. Its development involved rigorous testing at a bespoke facility to ensure durability and reliability
State of the art Testing Facility: Testbed 80, the largest and smartest indoor test facility globally was built to validate UltraFan with cutting-edge digital capabilities
Integrated Demonstrator Design: The UltraFan demonstrator builds on the success of the Advance 3 and PGB demonstrators and integrates these with a new best in class advanced LP system, featuring a low-speed composite fan system and high-speed low-pressure turbine. The ability to operate the fan and LP turbine at the optimum aerodynamic condition ensures maximum fuel efficiency, reduced noise and a masterclass in engineering excellence.
Simon Burr, Rolls-Royce Group director of engineering, technology and safety, said: “This award is a proud moment for the entire UltraFan team and is a reflection for the ingenuity and dedication of our colleagues. UltraFan is more than an engineering achievement, it is a critical step toward decarbonising and shaping a more sustainable future for aviation. As the programme continues to gather pace, including the development of an UltraFan narrowbody demonstrator, this recognition from RAeS inspires us to continue to push the boundaries of innovation.”
The Society’s award recognises and celebrates leaders, individuals and teams in aviation, aerospace and space recognised for their significant contributions from space innovation to supporting humanitarian aid and addressing social barriers through flight.