Technology update
Production Trent test
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The first production Rolls-Royce Trent 500 three-shaft engine for the Airbus A340-500 and A340-600 is due for test shortly. The Trent 553 will power the A340-500 and Trent 556 the A340-600, producing thrust ranging from 53,000 — 56,000 lb. The Trent 500 series features a fan blade of similar dimensions to the Trent 700 of 97.4 in., but with refined blade aerodynamics. A new, low-pressure turbine of added efficiency is being developed. Nacelle development is also in progress under the aegis of Aircelle, an Airbus joint venture with Hispano-Suiza. The first nacelle is expected to be available in July for Rolls-Royce to begin integrated testing with the engine. A flight test program with a Trent 500 is scheduled to start in 200l. The engine will be fitted to an A340-300. Trent technology includes the use of a diffusion bonded/superplastically formed (DB/SPF) wide chord fan and single crystal, high-pressure turbine blades.
Stuart Birch
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