Rolls-Royce delivers ADVENT technology milestone

Rolls-Royce has achieved a significant milestone in the Adaptive Versatile Engine Technology (ADVENT) research program, delivering the adaptive fan system rig on schedule to the U.S. Air force Compressor Research Facility (CRF). Rig testing will commence and will validate the performance of a key component of the LibertyWorks® ADVENT engine.

Testing will be conducted over several months and will focus on variable cycle engine performance, a critical component in achieving high-thrust capability for take-off and maneuvering, while reducing fuel consumption for long range and loiter operations.

Phil Burkholder, Chief Operating Officer for LibertyWorks®, said: “The LibertyWorks technologies being created for the ADVENT program represent a revolution in gas turbine engines, improving existing performance capabilities while delivering the benefits required by our customers: lower fuel burn and greater range. Achieving this critical milestone is an important step toward demonstrating the benefits of adaptive propulsion in future aircraft.”

The ADVENT technology demonstrator program, undertaken by Rolls-Royce North American Technologies, Inc. (LibertyWorks), is funded by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). ADVENT is part of Versatile Affordable Advanced Turbine Engines (VAATE), an initiative sponsored by industry and Government partners to advance state of the art turbine engine technology for military and commercial aviation.