Boeing-Rolls Short-Inlet Flight Tests Show Potential To Cut Big Fan Drag

Rolls test engine

The heavily instrumented inlet was tested at angles of attack in excess of 27.8 deg.

Credit: Rolls-Royce
The bigger the fan and bypass ratio of a turbofan, the quieter and more efficient the engine. But these benefits diminish as increased nacelle weight and drag degrade the fuel-burn advantages of the larger bypass. To help counter this conundrum, Rolls-Royce and Boeing teamed up under the second...
Guy Norris

Guy is a Senior Editor for Aviation Week, covering technology and propulsion. He is based in Colorado Springs.

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