Rolls-Royce has secured €64 million from the European Union’s Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking to lead the UNIFIED project, targeting development and ground testing of the UltraFan 30 demonstrator in 2028. The initiative, part of the €945 million Clean Aviation Call 3, advances next-generation propulsion for narrowbody aircraft entering service beyond 2035.
The UNIFIED consortium includes partners from France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, and the United Kingdom, such as Airbus, ITP Aero, Lufthansa Technik, TU Darmstadt, Imperial College London, DLR, NLR, ONERA, and INSA Lyon. It builds on prior programs like HEAVEN, focusing on ultra-high bypass ratio technology to achieve a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to 2020 standards for short- to medium-range aircraft.
The UltraFan 30, a scaled-down geared turbofan in the 30,000 lb (133 kN) thrust class, features a 90-inch fan, bypass ratio of 12:1 to 15:1, 50:1 pressure ratio, 20 MW power gearbox, carbon-titanium blades, composite casing, and ceramic matrix composites. This architecture supports Rolls-Royce’s return to the single-aisle market, dominated by CFM International and Pratt & Whitney geared engines.
Rolls-Royce Director of Research and Technology Alan Newby stated the narrowbody segment drives global aviation growth, requiring efficiency gains for sustainability. Clean Aviation’s María Calvo Blanco noted UNIFIED’s role in ultra-high bypass advancements. The project strengthens European supply chains and technology readiness.