Rolls-Royce successfully completed engine flight testing Pearl 10Xdeveloped for the new commercial aircraft Falcon 10X de Dassault Aviationafter a six-month campaign.
The engine was installed on the test aircraft Boeing 747-200 of Rolls-Royce, which features a unique five-engine configuration, and began flight testing on March 29, according to publication Aero.
During the test campaign, more than 25 takeoffs were made, covering a total distance of 36,000 nautical miles (66,600 km). The final flight took place on September 26 and lasted 4 hours and 38 minutes, departing from the Rolls-Royce facility in Tucson, Arizona.
“On behalf of Rolls-Royce, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our incredible global engineering and experimental testing teams for their exceptional dedication and expertise in successfully completing the Pearl 10X test campaign,” said Philipp Zeller, Senior Vice President. of Dassault in Rolls Royce.
Commitment, innovation and collaboration
He highlighted that this achievement is a testament to the team’s commitment, innovation and global collaboration.
During the test campaign, Rolls-Royce used two engines, replacing the second from June. The Pearl 10X was mounted on a custom-built tower located in an internal station on the right wing of the 747.
The company plans to ship the engines to Dassault to support the first flight of the Falcon 10X, scheduled for next year, although it has not provided a more precise timeline.
Prior to delivery, the first engine will require a modification from a left to right side installation, requiring changes to the engine support and mounting system as well as the nacelle.
The most powerful
While Rolls-Royce has not yet revealed the exact power output of the Pearl 10X, the company has previously stated that it will be the most powerful engine in the Pearl family, surpassing the Pearl 700, which is rated at 18,250 pounds (81 kN). and operates the Gulfstream G700.
The 747-200 modification was performed by L3Harris in Waco, Texas, and the delivery flight to Tucson on March 29 marked the beginning of the flight test campaign. During early testing, the Pearl 10X confirmed its high-altitude performance, with the 747 operating at altitudes up to 45,000 feet.
The unusual configuration of the 747, which has three different types of engines (three RB211, the Pearl 10X and a Trent 1000 TEN), allowed for high-altitude testing, integrating various technologies into Rolls-Royce engine research and development. Royce.
The successful completion of this test program is an important step for Rolls-Royce and Dassault as they prepare for the introduction of the Falcon 10X to the market.
