Rolls-Royce starts assembly of first higher-thrust Trent XWB

Rolls-Royce has started assembly of the first higher-thrust version of the Trent XWB which will exclusively power the Airbus A350-1000 aircraft. The Trent XWB-97, a 97,000lb-thrust version of the engine, will run for the first time later this year, with first flight scheduled for the end of 2016 and entry into service in 2017. The increased thrust is achieved through a combination of new high-temperature turbine technology, a larger and scaled up engine core and a higher-flow fan enabled by advanced aerodynamics. This has allowed Airbus to increase the A350-1000 payload range and maximum take-off weight. Meanwhile, manufacture is continuing on the first production 84,000lb-thrust Trent XWB engines that will power the first A350 XWB into commercial service with Qatar Airways in 2014.