Rolls-Royce Pearl 10X engine performs ‘flawlessly’

The first dedicated Pearl 10X test engine ran for the first time earlier this year and surpassed its target thrust levels on the first test run, making it the most powerful business aviation engine in the Rolls-Royce portfolio. All testing conducted so far has proved the reliability of the engine and shown it will meet the performance requirements to power Dassault’s flagship, the Falcon 10X.

The Pearl 10X is the newest member of the state-of-the-art Pearl engine family and the first Rolls Royce engine ever to power a business jet of the famous French aircraft manufacturer. Dassault’s selection of the Pearl 10X for its new top range product is another testament to Rolls-Royce’s position as the engine manufacturer of choice in business aviation.

So far, the development programme has included the rigorous testing of the new ultra-low emissions ALM combustor, which is compatible with 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and the new accessory gearbox, which allows for higher additional power extraction. One of the next milestones will be the first full powerplant, including its bespoke Spirit nacelle, EBU and mount system, entering the test programme later this year.

Dr. Dirk Geisinger, director business aviation, Rolls-Royce, said: “Our Pearl 10X team is extremely focussed on the development of the engine and it makes me proud to see the continuous progress of the programme. The combination of highly-efficient power and outstanding environmental performance of the Pearl 10X is in a class of its own and will support Dassault’s Falcon 10X in setting new standards in the ultra-long-range corporate jet market.”

The Pearl 10X features the Advance2 engine core, the most efficient core available across the business aviation sector, and combines it with a high-performance low-pressure system, resulting in a superior thrust of more than 18,000lbf. Compared to the last generation of Rolls-Royce business aviation engines, the Pearl 10X offers a 5% higher efficiency, while delivering outstanding low noise and emissions performance. The result is an engine that offers a market-leading combination of power and efficiency. This combination will enable customers and operators to have premium airport accessibility and fly ultra-long-range connections whilst also being able to travel nearly as fast as the speed of sound.

It brings together innovative technologies derived from the Rolls-Royce Advance2 demonstrator programme and proven Pearl family features to deliver world-class environmental performance. This includes a highly-efficient blisked fan; a high pressure compressor with a market-leading pressure ratio and six blisked stages; an ultra-low emissions combustor; a two-stage shroudless high pressure turbine as well as an enhanced four-stage low pressure turbine that is one of the most efficient and compact in the industry. This suite of technologies is all housed together within a brand new, ultra-slimline nacelle from Spirit AeroSystems.