Rolls-Royce has achieved a significant milestone in the development of its latest business jet engine, the Pearl 10X.
The engine successfully completed its first flight test aboard a Boeing 747 flying testbed in Tucson, Arizona.
This marks a crucial step forward for both the Pearl 10X program and Rolls-Royce’s continued growth in the business aviation market.
Powerplant for Dassault Falcon 10X
The Pearl 10X holds a special distinction as the first Rolls-Royce engine ever chosen to power a Dassault business jet. It is developed specifically for the manufacturer’s brand-new flagship, the Falcon 10X.
Dassault’s selection further solidifies Rolls-Royce’s position as a leader in business jet engine technology.
Over the coming months, a team of pilots and flight test engineers based in Tucson will conduct further testing. They will now evaluate the Pearl 10X’s performance and handling across various flight conditions.
The testing will encompass engine behavior at different speeds and altitudes. Assessments will includes inflight relights, nacelle anti-icing system checks, and fan vibration analysis.
Engine Ground Testing
Prior to the flight test, the Pearl 10X underwent extensive ground testing. This included rigorous evaluation of the engine’s new ultra-low emissions combustor, designed for compatibility with 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
Additionally, the new accessory gearbox was tested for its ability to deliver increased power extraction.
The Pearl 10X actually surpassed its target thrust levels during its initial test run. It is now poised to become the most powerful business jet engine in Rolls-Royce’s portfolio.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the program’s progress, Philipp Zeller, Senior Vice President of Dassault Business Aviation at Rolls-Royce, spoke on the successful test flight.
“We are thrilled to embark on this critical phase of engine development with the commencement of flight testing,” he said.
“All ground tests conducted thus far confirm the engine’s reliability and its ability to meet the performance requirements for powering Dassault’s flagship Falcon 10X.”
About Rolls-Royce Pearl 10X Engine
The Pearl 10X program is progressing swiftly, having already accumulated over 2,300 hours of testing on both the Advance2 demonstrator and the Pearl 10X engine configuration.
The Pearl 10X incorporates the Advance2 engine core, recognized as the most efficient core design in business aviation.
This, coupled with a high-performance low-pressure system, translates to a superior thrust exceeding 18,000 pounds of force.
Compared to its predecessors, the Pearl 10X boasts a 5% efficiency improvement while maintaining exceptional noise and emission reduction capabilities. This combination positions the Pearl 10X as a market leader in both power and efficiency.
These advancements will empower business jet operators to access a wider range of airports, undertake ultra-long-range flights, and travel at near-sonic speeds.
The Dassault 10X is a new flagship business jet from Dassault Aviation that is scheduled to enter service in 2025.
It is the first Dassault business jet to be powered by a Rolls-Royce engine, specifically the Pearl 10X. The 10X will have the largest cabin of any purpose-built business jet on the market, as well as a range of 7,500 nautical miles (13,890 km).
This will allow it to fly nonstop from New York to Shanghai, Los Angeles to Sydney, Hong Kong to New York, or Paris to Santiago.
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