Trent XWB

Rolls-Royce has dispatched the first production Trent XWB engine to Toulouse, France, to power the Airbus A350 XWB aircraft as it prepares to enter commercial service with Qatar Airways later this year.

Rolls-Royce is the sole engine provider for the three-member family of A350 XWB aircraft.

Rolls-Royce, Trent XWB programme director Chris Young said: "This is an exciting moment for all of us, and marks the first of many Trent XWB deliveries for service. When we reach peak production in 2017, we will be delivering a Trent XWB every working day."

In June 2013, the engine powered the A350 XWB’s first test flight from Toulouse, and since then the aircraft has carried out several test flights, including high-altitude testing in Bolivia, hot weather testing in Al Ain, UAE, and cold weather testing in Iqaluit, Canada.

"When we reach peak production in 2017, we will be delivering a Trent XWB every working day."

In addition, the engine powered the A350 XWB jet’s visit to the Singapore Airshow in February 2014.

The Trent XWB engine is 16% more efficient than the first-generation Trent engines that entered into service in 1995. It is the fastest-selling civil large engine ever, with more than 1,600 already sold to 40 customers, the company said.

Earlier this week, Rolls-Royce announced that it received the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) certifications for various models of the M250 turboprop and turboshaft engines, as well as the RR300 helicopter engine.

The company now has 16 light turboshaft and turboprop engines certified by CAAC for operation in China.

Image: First production Trent XWB engine ready for deliver. Photo: courtesy of Rolls-Royce plc.

Defence Technology