Rolls-Royce’s Boeing 747-200 flying test bed [Credit: Rolls-Royce]
Key Takeaways:
Rolls-Royce is retiring its Boeing 747-200 "Flying Test Bed" (FTB), registered N787RR, after 20 years of service and over 2,000 hours of engine testing since 2005.
The uniquely modified aircraft, capable of operating with five engines, played a crucial role in the development of various powerplants, including the Trent 1000 and Pearl 10X.
A significant achievement was demonstrating the Trent 1000 engine's compatibility with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in 2021, a key milestone in Rolls-Royce's commitment to environmental goals and future engine technology.
Aircraft engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce is retiring a Boeing 747-200 test aircraft after 20 years in service.
The company said the aircraft, known as the “Flying Test Bed” (FTB) and registered as N787RR, flew its last assignment in July. It had been in service since 2005 and played a role in the development of engines like the Trent 1000 and Pearl 10X.
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Zach Vasile is a writer and editor covering news in all aspects of aviation. He has reported for and contributed to the Manchester Journal Inquirer, the Hartford Business Journal, the Charlotte Observer, and the Washington Examiner, with his area of focus being the intersection of business and government policy.
