SILOET 2: Project 9 Integrated Accessories Raft System

Several critical systems for Rolls-Royce engines are located on the fan case – to move fuel, oil, power and electricity around the engine. Current external dressings for a typical large engine have over 2,700 parts and take 600 hours to build. A collaboration between Rolls-Royce, the National Composite Centre (NCC) and bf1 systems, the ENABLES system embeds this complex network of dressings into composite rafts. This innovative technology will deliver significant benefits, including a 30% part count reduction, weight reduction, build time/cost savings and a predicted 50% reduction of in-service reliability issues. An SME, bf1 systems achieved AS9100 accreditation and ‘special processes’ supplier approval from Rolls-Royce. “Involvement has fundamentally changed the way we manufacture – the knowledge gained in aerospace processes and controls will be of great benefit to us, supporting future growth across multiple market sectors”, noted James Welham, Finance Director bf1 systems Rolls-Royce has invested £8m in a dedicated facility in Bristol, manufacturing ~400 engine sets of rafts a year and employing up to 35 people. ENABLES will be certified on the Trent 1000-TEN for the Boeing 787, having successfully completed engine ground tests and flight tests. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme for research, technological development and demonstration.