Rolls-Royce UltraFan Explained: The Engine Built For The Next Generation Of Widebodies

Rolls-Royce’s UltraFan, showcased as a demonstrator for next-generation widebodies, is now split into two development branches: the UltraFan 80 for future widebody aircraft and the UltraFan 30 for future narrowbodies. The engine family is aimed at mid-2030s to 2040s aircraft, with Rolls-Royce seeking to stay in the widebody market while re-entering narrowbody engines. The article notes uncertainty over what specific airframes will eventually use UltraFan, though it could be future Airbus A350 variants or updated “neo” versions, and may ultimately power clean-sheet designs not yet announced. Rolls-Royce targets 25% better fuel efficiency versus first-generation Trent (Trent 800-era) and about 10% lower fuel burn than the current Trent XWB.