Initial results have been “very positive,” according to the engine maker, which is conducting the work at its test facility at NASA's Stennis Space Center.
Propulsive efficiency gains could diminish for bigger turbofans unless nacelle drag can be reduced. Flight tests show promise from a short inlet design.
Vertical Aerospace has completed initial tethered hover testing of a full-scale demonstrator for its VX4 electric vertical takeoff and landing air taxi.
The return of more long-haul flying will help boost Rolls-Royce average shop-visit volume in the low double digits for the next few years, the company projects.
