The open rotor engine in the 21st century

After consideration in the 1980s, the open rotor turbine engine for aircraft is given another chance. Will today's engineering tools make it more viable this time?

The past sometimes offers solutions to the present. So it is for the open rotor engine concept. The original, innovative jet turbine concept with unducted counter-rotating blades was developed in the 1980s in response to high fuel prices. Today, new designs for open rotor turbofan engines are spurred by concerns over fuel prices. Additional considerations include further reducing pollution and regulating CO₂ emissions. These pressures may lead to a commercial deployment of an open rotor engine.

Engineering tools have progressed in 20 years, as well. These are making engineering the fuel-efficient engine less costly as well. At least two teams are actively pursuing the concept, one centered on Rolls-Royce and another around GE Aviation. Each has partners and government funding sources. Design teams are continuing to refine and test engine concepts. Rolls-Royce is currently planning for a ground and flight demonstration program within the Joint Technology Initiative Clean Skies European Program.