Rolls-Royce and Hispano-Suiza (Safran) bolster relationship on Trent XWB engine

Rolls-Royce and Hispano-Suiza (Safran) have bolstered their relationship on the Trent XWB aircraft engine by signing a contract for the supply of the accessory drive train (ADT) and oil tank on the Trent XWB-97 engine (97,000 lb of thrust) that will power three versions of the upcoming Airbus A350: the A350-1000, A350-900R (ultra-long-range) and A350-900F (Freighter).

Following Hispano-Suiza’s initial selection in 2008 to supply the ADT transmission system on the Trent XWB-84 (84,000 lb of thrust) powering the A350-900, this latest contract cements the two companies’ collaboration on the best-selling engine in the history of the Trent family.

The accessory drive train for Rolls-Royce’s Trent XWB, wholly designed, developed and produced by Hispano-Suiza, is a high-tech system which allows double the power tapped by systems on current widebody jetliners. It also features the latest innovations in manufacturing processes and supply chain management. With this solution, Rolls-Royce and Hispano-Suiza can meet the propulsion system challenge for the Airbus A350 XWB.

According to Christian Stephenson, Rolls-Royce Director Partnerships and Purchasing, “This latest contract reflects our two companies’ commitment to expanding our collaboration for the benefit of our customers.”

Hélène Moreau-Leroy, Chairman and CEO of Hispano-Suiza, added, “This new step highlights the close relationship between our teams and confirms our commitment to strengthening our partnership on ADTs for future programmes, via the joint venture project between Rolls-Royce and Hispano-Suiza.”

Hispano-Suiza and Rolls-Royce have been teaming up for nearly 30 years now on the Trent family of engines (Trent 500 for the A340-500/600, Trent 700 for the A330 and Trent 800 for the Boeing 777) and the BR700 family of business jet engines.