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Rolls-Royce invests tens of millions in new test benches in Friedrichshafen

07 May 2026

Rolls-Royce Power Systems is strengthening its development capabilities at its Friedrichshafen site and investing tens of millions of euros in the construction of three state-of-the-art single-cylinder test benches.
  • Investment of tens of millions of euros in state-of-the-art test bench technology
  • Greater automation, safety and flexibility
  • Prepared for future fuels such as methanol
  • Strengthening development at the Friedrichshafen site

The facilities will expand the site’s development capacity and lay the technological foundation for future combustion technologies – from conventional diesel engines to alternative fuels such as methanol.

Rolls-Royce Power Systems is strengthening its development capabilities at its site in Friedrichshafen, Germany, investing tens of millions in the construction of three state-of-the-art single-cylinder test benches. The facilities will expand development capacity at the site and lay the technological foundation for future combustion technologies – from next generation conventional diesel engines to engines using alternative fuels such as methanol.


Martin Urban, Executive Vice President Engineering at Rolls-Royce Power Systems, said:

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With the new test benches, we are laying the groundwork for the reliable development of sophisticated propulsion technologies in the future.”

State-of-the-art test bench technology for the next stage of development

Single-cylinder test benches are key tools in engine development, as they precisely measure combustion and emissions and enable the targeted analysis and optimisation of individual components.

State-of-the-art test bench technology for the next stage of development

With the new single-cylinder test benches, Rolls-Royce Power Systems is fundamentally modernising its development environment. The new benches, which were completed in early May 2026, combine high-performance infrastructure, a high degree of automation, precise measurement technology and integrated safety systems. Electric machines with energy recovery capability expand the range of applications. By recovering energy and shifting test scopes, around five per cent of CO2 emissions at the Friedrichshafen site are saved. From the outset, the test benches have been designed to be technology-neutral and are prepared for future fuels.

A precision tool for engine development

With the new single-cylinder test benches, Rolls-Royce Power Systems is fundamentally modernising its development environment.

A precision tool for engine development

Single-cylinder test benches are among the most important tools in engine development. They enable combustion processes and emissions to be measured precisely and allow individual components to be analysed and optimised in a targeted manner. In this way, they support development from the initial idea through to series production – for both civil and military projects.

Martin Urban at the opening ceremony for the new test benches.

Despite the high technical complexity and the fact that implementation took place while operations were ongoing, the project has been completed on schedule. The investment is part of an ongoing investment programme made possible by the continuing transformation of Rolls-Royce, and supports the further development of the development infrastructure at the Friedrichshafen site.

Press photos for download can be found at Media Centre (mtu-solutions.com)

About Rolls-Royce Holdings plc
  1. Rolls-Royce is a force for progress; powering, protecting and connecting people everywhere. Our products and service packages help our customers meet the growing need for power across multiple industries; enable governments to equip their armed forces with the power required to protect their citizens; and connect people, societies, cultures and economies together.
  2. Rolls-Royce has a local presence in 47 countries and customers in over a hundred more, including airlines and aircraft leasing companies, armed forces and navies, and marine and industrial customers.
  3. Through our multi-year transformation programme, we are building a high-performing, competitive, resilient and growing Rolls-Royce. We are building the financial capacity and agility to allow us to successfully develop and deliver the products that will support our customers through the energy transition.
  4. Annual underlying revenue was £20.1 billion in 2025, and underlying operating profit was £3.46 billion.
  5. Rolls-Royce Holdings plc is a publicly traded company (LSE: RR., ADR: RYCEY, LEI: 213800EC7997ZBLZJH69).
  6. Rolls-Royce Power Systems is headquartered in Friedrichshafen in southern Germany and employs more than 11,000 people. The product portfolio includes mtu-brand high-speed engines and propulsion systems for ships, heavy land, rail and defence vehicles and for the oil and gas industry. The portfolio also includes diesel and gas systems and battery containers for mission critical, standby and continuous power, combined generation of heat and power, and microgrids. With its climate friendly technologies, Rolls-Royce Power Systems is helping to drive the energy transition.

www.rolls-royce.com

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