ORBIT- “Aerodynamic Rigs for VHBR IP Turbine”

CTA has successfully completed the activities of ORBIT project, providing innovative experimental capabilities to explore and understand the enabler technologies associated to the challenges of the new engine architectures.

ORBIT project, as part of Clean Sky 2 programme, targets the environmental and competitiveness challenge of the European aeronautics sector, by addressing the topic of experimental validation rig testing to develop aerodynamic and acoustic technologies for the multi-stage IP turbine of the Rolls-Royce UltraFan® engine concept.

This engine represents a new era in aeronautic engine design, based on a new engine architecture, designed to significantly reduce CO2, NOx and Noise emissions, and to take a significant step towards meeting the European aero travelling requirements set by the EU’s Horizon 2020 plan.

The advancement of multi-stage IP Turbine technologies, as an important contributor to the UltraFan® engine concept, will participate significantly to the global objectives from Clean Sky2, which aim towards achievement of ACARE flight-path 2050 ambitious goals about CO2, NOx and Noise emissions.

To guarantee the success of  ORBIT project, it has been required to develop European world-class test capability that includes the acquisition of testing and measurement technologies. CTA has developed all the tasks to permit the experimental validation of relevant aerodynamic technologies, including the test of innovative geometries to assess the improved losses and reduction in the generated noise. 

The results of the demonstration test campaigns have been used to validate aerodynamic and aeroacoustic technologies related to the rear stages of the IP Turbine, up to Technology Readiness Level 4 (TRL4).

ORBIT project represents a significant milestone in the development of the aeronautic engine of the future, that will contribute to achieve European engine industry competitiveness objectives by developing enabling technologies towards cleaner and quieter aircraft according to the Flightpath 2050 goals.