GCAP Power & Propulsion

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GCAP Power & Propulsion

Advancing Innovation through Collaboration

Rolls-Royce is teaming up with IHI Corporation and Avio Aero to power the future of air combat through the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). This pioneering international collaboration brings together talent, advanced technologies and a united vision to deliver a next-generation power and propulsion system - driving innovation at every stage.

Collaborating for Success

Sarah, the Engineering Lead for GCAP, explains the international approach underway:
“I’m part of the UK team, working on delivering a power and propulsion system demonstrator for GCAP. I lead the systems level design using an iterative approach to converge on a solution that will robustly integrate an estimated 40,000 individual parts in a full technology demonstrator.

“We work alongside IHI Corporation and Avio Aero colleagues, based in Japan and Italy respectively. Together we’re focussed on technologically innovative solutions that include advanced materials and manufacturing techniques. Our task is to deliver a system that will provide the aircraft with propulsive power and an integrated source of electrical power to meet the higher aircraft power loads. It’s an exciting time to challenge our thinking, techniques and skills, and optimise different forms of energy in novel ways.

“This shared goal is a huge challenge and the trilateral collaboration is critical to the success of the programme. We’re utilising our expertise and leveraging skills, capabilities and technologies to meet government needs through effective knowledge sharing and technology transfer.

One Team. A Unique Goal.

“The unique partnership builds on strong foundations. Rolls-Royce has a long history of working with Italy on fighter engine projects – most notably Tornado and Typhoon – and we’ve had a permanent presence in Japan since the 1960s, with over 5,000 Japanese colleagues working on Rolls-Royce programmes across our Civil, Defence and Power Systems sectors.

“Although IHI, Avio Aero and Rolls-Royce working directly together is a new experience, our expertise complements each other’s strengths and will help deliver this shared ambition,” Sarah explains.

“Despite working in separate locations, we are one team with one common interest; to efficiently replace the current aircraft fleet with a more capable power and propulsion system, and ensure it meets modern needs, both today and well into the future.”

Breaking Cultural Barriers

This international partnership brings together colleagues from different cultures, languages and time zones - a dynamic that all partners have carefully considered to overcome barriers and ensure collaboration.

“The programme is developing a digital enterprise working environment, enabling the team to be more autonomous and work with fewer boundaries,” said Sarah.

“We are also supporting those in the partnership who choose to physically co-locate for work, running language classes and cultural awareness sessions.

“We meet with our partners at key points in the programme, taking turns to host in our home countries. A hugely rewarding aspect of the programme, is the opportunity to travel and work overseas. Meeting face-to-face supports our collective efforts and helps in finding a consensus to difficult technical problems, as well as establishing behaviours that underpin the collaborative dynamic that we have.”

Join Our Journey: Careers in Power and Propulsion

If you have a passion for power and propulsion and want to be part of the innovative technology driving the Global Combat Air Programme, Rolls-Royce offers exciting career opportunities that can help you make a real impact in this field.

As a leader in the aerospace industry, Rolls-Royce is at the forefront of developing innovative solutions for power and propulsion systems. Our teams work on a range of projects, from designing and manufacturing engines for combat aircraft to developing advanced propulsion technologies that enhance performance and fuel efficiency.

Discover more here: Developing the Next Generation

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