Rolls-Royce completes engine test

has successfully completed the first run of its BR725 engine at its facility in

. The engine will be used to power the new Gulfstream G650 aircraft.

‘The engine powered up first time and attained 80 per cent of its full thrust rating,’ said Dr Rainer Hönig, project director – BR725 and Future Programmes, Corporate & Regional Engines. ‘It is demonstrating full functionality and is performing in line with targets set in the early stages of the programme two years ago.’

The 16,100lb thrust BR725 is said to be the most advanced member of the BR700 engine series and the sixth new power plant added to the company’s civil aerospace portfolio within the past six years.

The engine that performed the first run is one of five to be used in ground testing. A further eight are earmarked for flight-testing.

Rolls-Royce claims that the BR725 is more powerful and more than 4dB cumulative quieter than its predecessor, the BR710. It is said to have four per cent better specific fuel consumption and shows 21 per cent improvement in NOx emissions.

Design features include a 50-inch diameter fan assembly made up of 24 ‘swept’ titanium blades for improved aerodynamic efficiency and lower noise. The new, all-composite nacelle has a new inlet cowl to house the larger fan, but the diameter remains the same size as on the BR710.

Initial flight test engines will be delivered to Gulfstream towards the end of 2008. The BR725 is scheduled to power the first flight of a Gulfstream G650 in the second half of 2009 and will enter service on this aircraft in early 2012.