Rolls-Royce's Pearl 10X Set For 747 Flying Testbed Evaluation

Rolls-Royce is readying the first Pearl 10X for flight on its Boeing 747-200 flying testbed following successful ground tests which the company says have confirmed the engine’s predicted reliability and performance levels.

In development for the Dassault Falcon 10X, the new Pearl is rated at 18,250 lb. thrust, making it the most powerful engine in the Pearl family. Ground tests have so far included evaluations of the turbofan’s low emissions, additively made combustor and a new accessory gearbox, which allows for higher additional power extraction.

Earlier this year the engine made its first run as a full powerplant with mount system, Spirit AeroSystems nacelle and engine build ups. Rolls says the Pearl 10X surpassed its target thrust levels on the first test run. Dassault’s Falcon 10X, which was unveiled in May 2021, is on track to enter service in 2025.

In addition to the Falcon 10X, the Pearl family has been selected for Bombardier and Gulfstream ultra-long-range jets. The Pearl 15 is already in service powering the Bombardier Global 5500 and 6500, while the Pearl 700 has been selected for the Gulfstream G700 and G800, both of which are due to enter service later this year.

The Pearl 700 was unveiled in 2019 and, at the time, was the second engine to evolve from the company’s Advance2 demonstrator program following the debut of the Pearl 15 on the Bombardier Global 5500/6500. The Pearl 700 produces 8% greater take-off thrust than the BR725 with 5% lower fuel burn.