MTU celebrates Clean Sky engine demonstrator, running in Munich test cell

Clean Sky is the most ambitious EU funded aeronautical research program ever launched in Europe: More than 600 partners have joined forces to develop new, greener technologies for tomorrow’s aviation. MTU Aero Engines, Germany’s leading engine manufacturer, is a partner in the program, being responsible for an engine demonstrator that is now running in MTU’s test cell in Munich. The test campaign marks the culmination of MTU’s research activities, and the milestone was celebrated jointly with distinguished representatives from government, business, the Clean Sky Joint Undertaking, and research institutes. Around 100 guests gathered in the pre-rigging room of test cell 3 to take a closer look at the demonstrator engine. The demonstrator, dubbed SAGE 4 (Sustainable And Green Engines), is one of five Clean Sky engine demonstrators. “This demonstrator is based on advanced geared turbofan technology,” explained MTU Chief Operating Officer Dr. Rainer Martens. It is used to show the maturity of the newly developed technologies for low-weight constructions, designs and materials which will help increase the efficiency of future geared turbofan engines and at the same time reduce emissions and noise. MTU is concentrating its efforts on the low-pressure turbine and high-pressure compressor, two technology areas in which the company excels.