The engine

The Trent 800 is a three-shaft high bypass ratio engine

As a member of the Trent family, the Trent 800 is built on sound fundamentals:

Three-shaft architecture

Derived from the reliable RB211 family, this architecture permits low-risk scaling from existing designs providing lower development costs, proven technology and in-service reliability leading to optimised engines for specific aircraft applications.

Wide-chord fan

The hollow, titanium wide-chord fan blade, pioneered by Rolls-Royce and introduced into airline service in the 1980s, set new standards in aerodynamic efficiency and resistance to foreign object damage. Designed specifically for high-bypass turbofans, the breadth of these blades sets them apart from the narrow and less efficient earlier equivalents.

Lightweight structure

The three-shaft engine design makes the Trent engine shorter and simpler. The simplicity and inherent efficiency of its design also means that it is lighter. A Trent 800-powered Boeing 777 is around 7,500lb lighter than the same aircraft powered by the heavier of the competing engines. Low weight and high thrust equates to optimum revenue earning capability.

Best performance retention

Its three-shaft configuration provides good performance retention resulting in more time on wing and fewer shop visits throughout its life. Deterioration characteristics have been minimised through: preliminary design (e.g. single case combustor for reduced leakage, advanced clearance control in the turbines, and optimised clearances in the compressor); and operation (advanced engine health monitoring, and engine core washing).

Best environmental credentials

The Trent 800 produces the lowest NOx and the lowest total legislated gaseous emissions during landing & take-off with significant margins to both current and future regulations whilst using a simple, cost effective single-annular combustor. The Trent 800 also has significant margin to both Stage 3 and Stage 4 community noise legislation levels.

For more information on Rolls-Royce, our products and the environment, please see our report “Powering a better world”.

Superior economics

Due to its low weight, three-shaft architecture and proven reliability record; coupled with low idle thrust reducing brake wear, and low oil consumption the Trent 800 continues to demonstrate superior operating life-cycle economics.