PARIS-Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, has signed an agreement to be the exclusive engine provider for an enhanced version of the Airbus A350-1000 aircraft.

The new higher thrust version of the Trent XWB, which is the most advanced civil aircraft engine on offer in the world, will deliver 97,000 lbs. maximum thrust. The additional thrust will be achieved by the inclusion of new high temperature turbine technology, increasing the size of the engine core and advanced fan aerodynamics. This will help Airbus to offer increased range and capacity for the A350 -1000.

Mark King, Rolls-Royce, President–Civil Aerospace, says, “Trent XWB engines currently on test are proving to be the most advanced civil aero engines in the world today. The higher thrust variant of the Trent XWB incorporates further innovations from our Advance 3 technology demonstrator programs. Many of the technological and performance improvements of the higher thrust Trent XWB will also be used to enhance performance of other members of the Trent engine family.”

Fabrice Brégier, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, says, “We are delighted to announce that together with our partner Rolls-Royce, we will develop and produce an enhanced A350-1000 aircraft with outstanding payload and long range, the best economics, and 25 per cent lower fuel burn and CO2 emissions than its nearest competitor.” He adds, “This will unequivocally assure the A350-1000’s position as the most efficient aircraft in its category.”

As with the Trent XWB for the Airbus A350-800 and -900, the higher thrust variant of the Trent XWB is an engine specifically tailored for the aircraft it will power, the A350-1000. The higher thrust version for the -1000 will offer significant benefits in design and systems integration which will reduce fuel burn, life-cycle costs and environmental impact.

Currently six Trent XWB engines are being tested and are delivering better than targeted results. Flight testing of Trent XWB engines is scheduled to begin later this year.

More than 1,100 Trent XWB engines have been ordered by 36 customers making it the fastest selling member of the Rolls-Royce Trent engine family. The higher thrust variant of the Trent XWB is scheduled to run for the first time in mid-2014 and enter service in mid-2017.