The firm has begun work on the first of its new UltraFan engines in Derby
Rolls-Royce says it has begun making the world's largest aero-engine.
The Derby-based firm has started construction on its UltraFan engine at its DemoWorks facility in the city.
The company says the engine, which is set to be finished by the end of the year, could provide the basis for a new generation of engines that could be used on a variety of aircraft.
With a fan diameter of 140 inches, Rolls-Royce says it has the potential increase fuel efficiency by 25 per cent compared to older engines.
The carbon titanium fan blades and composite casing would also reduce the weight by up to 1,500 lb per aircraft.
The firm says the engine, which will have its first test run using sustainable aviation fuel, will help transition the aviation industry to more sustainable fuels.
Chris Cholerton, president of Civil Aerospace at Rolls-Royce, said he was excited the project has got under way.
“This is an exciting moment for all of us at Rolls-Royce," he said.
"Our first engine demonstrator, UF001, is now coming together and I'm really looking forward to seeing it built and ready for test.
"It is arriving at a time when the world is seeking ever more sustainable ways to travel in a post-Covid world, and it makes me and all our team very proud to know we are part of the solution.
"I am delighted that the UK and German governments have supported us in making these significant ground-breaking technology investments.
"The Aerospace Technology Institute and LuFo programmes, as well as the EU's Clean Sky, have all helped bring us a step closer to realising the enormous environmental and economic benefits of UltraFan."
To help fund the project, Rolls-Royce received investment from a variety of sources including the Aerospace Technology Institute and Innovate UK in the United Kingdom, LuFo in Germany and the Clean Sky Joint Undertaking in the European Union.
Kwasi Kwarteng, the business secretary, said: "The UltraFan project is a perfect example of how we are working with industry to deliver green, sustainable flight for decades to come.
"Backed with significant government support, this project represents the scale of ambition for Britain's crucial aerospace sector.
"Companies like Rolls-Royce are playing a critical role as we build back greener from the pandemic and we are committed to giving the whole aerospace sector the support it needs to innovate and reach new heights."
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