Trent XWB test program: 11 powerplants used with more than 3000 test hours

A total of 11 Trent XWBs have participated in the test program to date, accumulating more than 3,100h in ground tests and aboard the A380 testbed.

Still under way are some final tests needed to secure FAA cross-certification, and then the focus will shift to securing early extended-range twin-engined operations approval. The target is to eventually certificate the A350 to fly up to 350min from the nearest suitable diversion airfield at single-engined flying speed.

The cold start capability of the Trent XWB has been extended down to -26°C after winter demonstrations using the company's testbed in Manitoba, northern Canada, and this is expected to be further lowered to -40°C.

"We are now able to do far more full envelope testing, which is great for the reliability and maturity of the product," says Young.

Between 16 and 18 engines will have been assembled in the pre-production facility at Derby prior to the start of series production, in an effort to understand the optimum way of assembling the engine and to determine appropriate work-station content.

"Assembly hours are coming down nicely, as we learn how to build the engine," says Young. Fully-fledged flow-line assembly should begin by mid-2014, in time for the planned ramp-up in A350 production.

"We're very close to finalising our footprint and layout for the full flow-line facility," says Young.

Based on the article “All eyes on XWB” published in FlightGlobal