Rolls-Royce Pearl 10X engine takes flight

April 4, 2024 in Business, Companies, Transport, Travel & Tourism by Editor

The Pearl 10x seen here tucked between the fuselage and inboard engine on the right-hand side of Rolls-Royce dedicated Boeing-747 flying testbed in a unique configuration that also features the Trent 1000, making for a total of 5 powerplants on a single aircraft

British propulsion and power systems maker Rolls-Royce kicked off flight tests April 3, of the Pearl 10X, its latest offering for the business aviation market. The tests aboard the company’s Boeing 747 flying testbed, will validate the engine’s performance ahead of entry into service on the Dassault Falcon 10X around 2027.

Based in Tucson, Arizona, USA, pilots and flight test engineers will put the engine through its paces over the coming months. The flight test programme will include engine performance and handling checks at various speeds and altitudes, inflight relights, tests of the nacelles anti-icing system and fan vibration tests at various altitudes.

So far, the development programme on the ground has included the rigorous testing of the new ultra-low emissions ALM combustor, which is compatible with 100pc Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and the new accessory gearbox, which allows for higher additional power extraction. The engine, which surpassed its target thrust levels on the very first test run, will be the most powerful business aviation engine in the Rolls-Royce portfolio.

“We are excited to enter into this important next phase of the engine development programme with the start of our flight test campaign. All the tests completed to date confirm the reliability of the engine and show it will meet the performance requirements to power Dassault’s flagship, the Falcon 10X,” said Philipp Zeller, Senior Vice President Dassault, Business Aviation, Rolls-Royce.

The programme has so far accumulated more than 2,300 testing hours, both on the Advance 2 demonstrator and the Pearl 10X engine configuration.

The Pearl 10X features the Advance2 engine core, and combines it with a high-performance low-pressure system, resulting in a thrust of more than 18,000lbf. Compared to the last generation of Rolls-Royce business aviation engines, the Pearl 10X offers a 5pc higher efficiency, while delivering outstanding low noise and emissions performance. This combination will enable customers and operators to have premium airport accessibility and fly ultra-long-range connections, whilst also being able to travel close to the speed of sound.