EU Clean Aviation: Rolls-Royce Leads UNIFIED Project for Sustainable Aviation Engines

EU Clean Aviation Rolls-Royce to Lead EU’s UNIFIED Project for Next-Generation Sustainable Aviation Engines

2025-09-24 Source: Rolls-Royce 2 min Reading Time

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The European Union’s Clean Aviation programme has selected Rolls-Royce to lead the new UNIFIED project, aiming to accelerate aviation decarbonisation through next-generation UltraFan engine technology and cross-European collaboration.

Rolls-Royce will lead the EU-funded UNIFIED project to demonstrate UltraFan engine technology for next-generation, climate-neutral narrowbody aircraft.(Source: Rolls-Royce) — Rolls-Royce will lead the EU-funded UNIFIED project to demonstrate UltraFan engine technology for next-generation, climate-neutral narrowbody aircraft.
(Source: Rolls-Royce)

Rolls-Royce has been chosen by the European Union’s Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking (CAJU) to lead UNIFIED – Ultra Novel and Innovative Fully Integrated Engine Demonstrations, one of 12 major projects designed to transform and decarbonise aviation. The projects, backed by approximately €945 million in EU funding, will drive the development of future aircraft concepts, advanced propulsion technologies, and sustainability-focused innovations.

The UNIFIED consortium, coordinated by Rolls-Royce, brings together industrial, academic, and research partners from France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, and the UK. Its goal is to conduct ground testing of a new UltraFan technology demonstrator for short- and medium-range narrowbody aircraft, a crucial segment of the global aviation market. The project also prepares for future flight testing of the UltraFan architecture, aiming to validate its performance and integration capabilities under real-world conditions.

UltraFan represents the most advanced engine technology Rolls-Royce has developed to date. Its geared design promises up to 25% improved fuel efficiency compared to the first generation of Trent engines, along with reduced noise and emissions. These gains are considered essential for achieving the EU’s target of climate-neutral aviation by 2050.

Alan Newby, Director of Research and Technology at Rolls-Royce, commented:
“We are delighted that Rolls-Royce has been selected to lead the UNIFIED project. This is a clear recognition of our commitment to reshape aviation and reduce its environmental impact. With UltraFan, we will demonstrate next-generation capability for thrust, fuel burn, noise, emissions, and durability, providing a credible pathway to climate-neutral narrowbody aircraft.”

The Clean Aviation programme, part of the EU’s Horizon Europe framework, plays a central role in aligning Europe’s aerospace sector with the Green Deal objectives. By combining EU funding with industry investment, it aims to accelerate disruptive technologies such as hydrogen propulsion, hybrid-electric architectures, and ultra-efficient engines.

The UNIFIED project is expected to begin its ground test campaign in the second half of the decade, supporting Europe’s ambition to maintain global leadership in sustainable aviation technologies while meeting increasing regulatory and environmental demands.

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