GKN Aerospace has announced the successful delivery of the first Intermediate Compressor Case (ICC) to the Rolls-Royce UltraFan™ engine demonstrator programme.
As a Core Partner in Clean Sky 2 and in the Rolls-Royce led UltraFan™ engine demonstrator programme, the Sweden-based aerospace manufacturer was in charge of designing and manufacturing the ICC. The latter is a structure between compressor cases, which carries the rotor gas loads to the engine casing and thrust mounts.
Before going any further, let us tell you what the Clean Sky 2 and the UltraFan™ are:
Clean Sky 2 is simply a European aeronautics research programme, that develops technology solutions that will reduce CO2 emissions and noise levels produced by aircrafts. The programme has been funded by both the EU’s Horizon 2020 programme and Europe’s aviation industry, and strengthens European aero-industry collaboration, global leadership and competitiveness.
UltraFan on the other hand, is a high-bypass engine being developed by Rolls-Royce for large civil aircraft applications from the middle of this decade. With this next generation engine, Rolls-Royce aims to offer a 25% fuel efficiency improvement compared to engines currently in use. GKN Aerospace states that it features a new engine core architecture and introduces a geared design. The demonstrator program expects to conduct full engine ground testing during next year, with flight testing to follow.
In this vein, GKN Aerospace explains in a press communication that the development, manufacture and testing of the ICC will demonstrate and validate a range of new technologies, including a low-cost and robust sectorised fabrication concept with castings.
This makes use of an innovative welding method based on computer simulations; optimised bleed system aerodynamics and acoustics; shorter aggressive duct design and 3D printing of attaching parts; and model-based design methods.
Henrik Runnemalm, Vice President of GKN Aerospace’s Global Technology Centre in Sweden, said: “The delivery of the UltraFan™ engine ICC to Rolls-Royce is a true milestone. It reaffirms the success of the Clean Sky2 collaboration programme and we are excited to have implemented our latest sustainable technologies in the ICC’s development. We are extremely proud to be a partner of the Rolls-Royce team and to contribute to this energy efficient aero-engine of the future.”
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