Latest Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 takes to the skies

Rolls-Royce has successfully achieved two major milestones in its Trent 1000 launch engine programme for the Boeing 787-9. A demonstrator engine, part of a programme that will deliver an upgraded 74,000lb thrust version of the Trent 1000, successfully completed a first flight on a Rolls-Royce 747-200 flying test bed, at Tucson, Arizona, USA. A series of test flights will progressively demonstrate new technologies for the 787-9 engine, including an advanced turbine case cooling system. A second engine, built to the 787-9 certification configuration, successfully completed its 150-hour endurance type test and FAA overtemperature test in Derby, UK. The 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft is due to be delivered to Air New Zealand in 2014. The Trent 1000 powered the Boeing 787 Dreamliner’s entry into service with All Nippon Airways (ANA) in October 2011 and has now completed more than 41,000 flying hours with better than 99.9% engine dispatch reliability.