Rolls-Royce Launches Flight Test for Pearl 10X Business Aviation Aero Engine
Rolls-Royce (LSE: RR., ADR: RYCEY) proudly announces the commencement of flight testing for its latest aero engine tailored for the business aviation market, the Pearl 10X. The flight test campaign has been initiated on the company’s dedicated Boeing 747 flying testbed, marking a significant milestone for the Pearl 10X program.
Selected exclusively by renowned French aircraft manufacturer Dassault to power its new flagship aircraft, the Falcon 10X, the Pearl 10X represents Rolls-Royce’s commitment to excellence in business aviation. This engine, the newest addition to the state-of-the-art Pearl engine family, stands as the first Rolls-Royce engine to propel a Dassault business jet. Dassault’s choice of the Pearl 10X for its prestigious new offering underscores Rolls-Royce’s leading position as an engine manufacturer in the business aviation sector.
Based in Tucson, Arizona, USA, experienced pilots and flight test engineers will rigorously evaluate the engine over the coming months. The flight test program encompasses a comprehensive array of assessments, including engine performance and handling checks at various speeds and altitudes, inflight relights, examinations of the nacelle’s anti-icing system, and fan vibration tests at different altitudes.
Before the flight tests, the engine underwent extensive ground testing, including the validation of the new ultra-low emissions ALM combustor, designed to be compatible with 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Additionally, the new accessory gearbox, facilitating higher additional power extraction, was rigorously evaluated. Remarkably, the engine surpassed its target thrust levels on its inaugural test run, positioning it as the most powerful business aviation engine within the Rolls-Royce portfolio.
Philipp Zeller, Senior Vice President of Dassault • Business Aviation at Rolls-Royce, expressed enthusiasm about the progress, stating, “We are excited to enter into this important next phase of the engine development program with the start of our flight test campaign. All the tests completed to date confirm the reliability of the engine and show it will meet the performance requirements to power Dassault’s flagship, the Falcon 10X.”
The program is making rapid strides, having already amassed over 2,300 testing hours, encompassing both the Advance 2 demonstrator and the Pearl 10X engine configuration. This successful commencement of flight testing underscores Rolls-Royce’s unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence in the business aviation sector.