Rolls-Royce has started flight testing on its most powerful and environmentally friendly business jet engine.
The Pearl 10X is a new engine developed specifically for the Dassault Falcon 10X. This aircraft will be in service by 2027. Rolls is building engines for Dassault’s business aircraft, previously powered by Pratt & Whitney. GE, and Honeywell.
Rolls revenues are accounted for by business jet engines, which account for approximately £1.5 billion per year. The FTSE100 group is best known for its engines for long-haul planes such as the Airbus A350, the Boeing 787 and fighter jets.
Tufan Erginbilgic has identified the sector as a major business line. The chief executive, who is reshaping the company, has also complained about the need for “greater commercial optimization”.
The Falcon 10X has the largest cabin in any business jet. It is currently being sold for $75 million per time. Similar pricing is also found on the Gulfstream G700 for which Rolls provides engines. The engines are thought to cost several million dollars.
The Pearl-powered Falcon 10X can travel 7,500 nautical mile, which means its occupants could fly from London to Mumbai or Hong Kong in just one hop.
The Pearl 10X is being tested on a Boeing 747 jet, rigged up in Rolls-Royce factory near Berlin.
Rolls-Royce shares fell by 7 3/4p or 1.8% to 419p on last night.