Rolls-Royce has put the UltraFan jet engine through rigorous testing with a 365 cm cooling core, demonstrating the capability to deliver up to 64 MW of power when running on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). These findings have been reported in the latest edition of Atlas, underscoring the engine’s electrical- and thermal-management prowess in real-world fuel scenarios. The testing regime focused on how the powerplant responds to SAF blends, and the results highlight a compelling path toward cleaner, high-thrust propulsion for modern air transport. This milestone reflects Rolls-Royce’s ongoing commitment to pushing the envelope of efficiency and emissions reduction in high-power aero engines. (Atlas)
Public demonstrations have positioned the UltraFan as the world’s most powerful jet engine in controlled laboratory settings, delivering thrust well beyond conventional benchmarks. During lab trials, the unit produced thrust exceeding 85,000 pounds, roughly 38.5 metric tons, with the potential to reach 110,000 pounds (about 49.9 metric tons) for future narrow-body and wide-body designs slated for introduction over the next decade. These figures, while contingent on specific configurations and test conditions, illustrate a deliberate direction toward regional and global aircraft that demand higher thrust envelopes without sacrificing efficiency. Industry observers note that such capability would support greater payloads, longer ranges, and more versatile mission profiles for upcoming fleets. (Atlas)
A distinctive feature of the UltraFan is its integrated turbofan architecture that combines a gearbox-driven fan with a variable-pitch cooling system. This configuration allows the turbine and the engine’s cooling loop to operate at optimally synchronized speeds, while the carbon composite fan and associated wings can adjust pitch to optimize each phase of flight. The adoption of composite materials reduces overall weight compared to a traditional titanium assembly and contributes to a measurable gain in efficiency relative to the Trent XWB lineage. In practical terms, this means less fuel burn for the same thrust output, lower operating costs over the life of the engine, and improved performance across a spectrum of mission profiles. (Atlas)
Reports also note that recent discussions around SpaceX’s Starship program have intersected with broader conversations about next-generation propulsion systems and their role in future launch and aviation ecosystems. While the Starship project continues to evolve, the broader industry takeaway centers on the importance of scalable, reliable power for both air and space transportation. The dialogue around UltraFan’s progress and Starship’s development together signals a shared trajectory toward more capable propulsion platforms and a renewed focus on safety, efficiency, and environmental stewardship in high-thrust engineering. (Atlas)