Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 powers latest phase of Boeing ecoDemonstrator flights

The Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engine has powered the latest phase of Boeing ecoDemonstrator aircraft flights, on a 787 Dreamliner.

The aircraft will, over several weeks, assess more than 25 technologies designed to improve aircraft fuel efficiency and reduce noise.

Gary Moore, Trent 1000 Programme Director, Rolls-Royce, said: “Today’s flight of the 787 ecoDemonstrator aircraft is a milestone for the programme. We are pleased to be supporting Boeing’s environmental research and look forward to continuing to work together on this project.”

The multi-year Boeing ecoDemonstrator Programme is focused on accelerating the testing, refinement and completion of new technologies, methods and materials to improve aviation’s environmental performance and sustainability.

The programme tests technologies on several aircraft that serve as flying test beds. Boeing has partnered with suppliers such as Rolls-Royce, airlines, and government agencies, including NASA and the US Federal Aviation Administration Continuous Lower Energy, Emissions and Noise (CLEEN) Program, on a number of ecoDemonstrator activities.

The Trent 1000 also powered the first Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner test flights in 2009 and its entry into service in 2011 as well as the 787-9 Dreamliner entry into service earlier this year.