Articles tagged with "Rolls-Royce"
UK moon base dreams stall as Rolls-Royce halts nuclear reactor work
The UK Space Agency’s plan to develop a nuclear-powered Moon base has stalled after Rolls-Royce placed its lunar micro-reactor project on indefinite hold due to expired government funding and a lack of launch partners. The micro-reactor, designed to generate 100kW of power—sufficient for dozens of lunar homes—was seen as a critical technology to provide continuous energy during the Moon’s two-week-long nights, when solar power is ineffective. Launched three years ago with strong government backing, the project aimed to advance the UK’s position in space exploration and domestic technology but is now in limbo pending renewed support or partnerships. Meanwhile, the United States is aggressively pursuing its own lunar nuclear power initiative under an executive order signed by former President Trump, mandating deployment of a nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030. This effort, led by NASA and the Department of Energy, is restricted to American companies to ensure national security and maintain industrial leadership, effectively excluding international players like Rolls-Roy
energynuclear-powerlunar-baseRolls-Roycespace-explorationmicro-reactorrenewable-energy-alternativesBoeing wins $2.04 billion deal to re-engine US B-52 strategic bombers
Boeing has secured a $2.04 billion contract from the U.S. Air Force to advance the engine replacement program for the B-52 Stratofortress strategic bomber. This contract focuses on post-critical design review development activities, including system integration, modification, and testing of two aircraft fitted with new Rolls-Royce F130 engines and associated subsystems. The work is expected to be completed by May 31, 2033, with initial funding of approximately $35.8 million obligated at award and further funding phased in starting 2026. The program is part of a broader modernization effort for the B-52 fleet, which includes upgrades to configuration, radars (notably the AN/APQ-188 radar derived from F/A-18 and F-15 systems), communications, and navigation. The B-52 fleet currently consists of 75 aircraft, which have been in service for over 60 years and are planned to remain operational through 2050. The bombers
energyaerospaceaviationmilitary-technologyengine-replacementRolls-RoyceBoeingRolls-Royce tests new engine for US Army’s next-gen MV-75 aircraft
Rolls-Royce has commenced testing its AE 1107 engine for prototypes of the US Army’s MV-75 Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA), a critical step in the multibillion-dollar tiltrotor program aimed at replacing much of the Black Hawk helicopter fleet. Testing is underway at Rolls-Royce’s Indianapolis facility to validate engine performance and reliability. The MV-75, designated as the FLRAA in June, is designed to offer extended range and speed, with two AE 1107F engines powering each aircraft. The AE 1107F shares about 80% commonality with other AE engine variants, which is expected to simplify logistics, maintenance, and supply chain management, supporting the Army’s goal of fielding a reliable, high-performance tiltrotor for tactical assault and utility missions. The FLRAA program, part of the broader Future Vertical Lift modernization effort launched in 2019, aims to deliver a survivable, long-range, and
energyaerospace-engineeringmilitary-technologyaircraft-enginesRolls-Roycefuture-vertical-liftdefense-innovationUK's 10,200-ton nuclear submarines to get Rolls-Royce reactors
Rolls-Royce Submarines has entered a £400 million long-term partnership with engineering firms Assystem, AtkinsRéalis, and Frazer-Nash to support the UK’s expanding nuclear-powered submarine programs under the AUKUS trilateral security pact with Australia and the United States. This Capability Assured Strategic Partnership (CASP) aims to strengthen the industrial base behind the Royal Navy’s future fleet and the wider Defense Nuclear Enterprise amid rising demand. The collaboration builds on over 20 years of cooperation and focuses on delivering next-generation nuclear propulsion systems, including the enhanced PWR3+ pressurized water reactor and single pumpjet propulsion for the upcoming SSN-AUKUS class submarines. The SSN-AUKUS program, confirmed in the UK Strategic Defence Review of June 2025, plans to replace the Royal Navy’s Astute-class submarines with up to 12 new vessels beginning in the late 2030s, alongside at least eight submarines for the Royal Australian Navy in
energynuclear-reactorssubmarine-propulsionRolls-Roycedefense-technologyindustrial-partnershipAUKUS-submarinesRolls-Royce unveils Spectre Primavera with cherry blossom design
Rolls-Royce has introduced the limited-edition Spectre Primavera, a bespoke electric vehicle inspired by spring and cherry blossoms. This special edition features hand-painted cherry blossom motifs on the exterior coachline, engraved Blackwood trim with a laser-etched floral pattern on the dashboard, and three curated interior color schemes named Blossom, Evanescent, and Reverie. The Primavera debuts new 23-inch petal-shaped wheels designed to evoke petals opening to sunlight, symbolizing nature’s vitality and renewal. The interior continues the floral theme with embroidered cherry blossom silhouettes on the headrests, illuminated sill plates, and Grace White leather upholstery accented by seasonal colors and piping. The three variants offer distinct color combinations: Blossom pairs Velvet Orchid Metallic paint with Peony Pink leather accents; Evanescent combines Arctic White with Turchese tones; and Reverie features Duck Egg Blue with Charles Blue upholstery. Each maintains Grace White as the base leather color, blending Rolls-Royce’s craftsmanship with symbolic storytelling. The
energyelectric-vehicleRolls-Royceautomotive-designmaterials-innovationluxury-EVbespoke-craftsmanshipRolls Royce Rolls Out New Spectre
Rolls-Royce has introduced a new edition of its first all-electric vehicle, the Spectre, called the Spectre Inspired by Primavera. This special series draws inspiration from the transient beauty of spring, incorporating delicate cherry blossom motifs and uniquely designed wheels that resemble flowering blooms. The design emphasizes a blend of natural artistry and luxury, celebrating renewal and elegance. The Primavera edition highlights Rolls-Royce’s commitment to combining timeless craftsmanship with innovative electric technology. By integrating poetic seasonal elements into the Spectre’s design, the brand offers a fresh, nature-inspired interpretation of luxury in its inaugural EV model.
energyelectric-vehicleRolls-Royceelectric-carautomotive-technologysustainable-energyEV-designUK’s Rolls-Royce taps small nuclear reactors to fuel AI boom
Rolls-Royce is aiming to become the UK’s most valuable company by leveraging its expertise in nuclear technology to support the growing energy demands of artificial intelligence (AI). The company plans to power AI infrastructure using small modular reactors (SMRs), having already secured deals with the UK and Czech Republic governments. Rolls-Royce’s CEO, Tufan Erginbilgic, highlighted the company’s unique nuclear capabilities, including its experience supplying reactors for submarines, as a key competitive advantage in developing land-based SMRs. He predicts a global market need for 400 SMRs by 2050, each costing around $3 billion, representing a trillion-dollar opportunity. Rolls-Royce’s SMRs are designed to generate 470 megawatts of low-carbon energy—enough to power approximately 3 million homes—and are faster to build than traditional nuclear plants. The company has signed a memorandum of understanding with Škoda JS to explore component production for its SMR program, aiming
energynuclear-energysmall-modular-reactorsRolls-RoyceAI-energy-solutionslow-carbon-energygreen-technologyRolls-Royce advances for modular nuclear reactors to power 3 million homes
Rolls-Royce SMR has been selected to build the UK’s first fleet of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), aiming to install up to 3 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear power capacity using its 470 MWe reactor design. Each SMR unit is designed to generate 470 megawatts of low-carbon energy, enough to power over a million homes for at least 60 years, with the entire project expected to power around 3 million homes. The reactors are pressurized water reactors with a projected operational life of at least six decades. This initiative represents the first new nuclear power station design and build in the UK in over a generation, offering a modular, factory-built approach to simplify construction, reduce costs, and avoid delays common in traditional nuclear projects. The modular design involves building 90% of each SMR unit in factory conditions before transporting them for final assembly, necessitating a robust and geographically diverse supply chain. Rolls-Royce SMR has signed a
energynuclear-powersmall-modular-reactorsRolls-Royceclean-energypower-generationmodular-constructionRolls-Royce to power 3 million UK homes with 1.5 GW nuclear reactors
Rolls-Royce has been selected by the UK government and the state-owned Great British Energy – Nuclear as the preferred bidder to develop the country’s first fleet of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). The project aims to generate 1.5 gigawatts (GW) of electricity, enough to power approximately 3 million homes. Unlike traditional nuclear plants built entirely on-site, these SMRs will be factory-manufactured in modules and then assembled at the final location, a method intended to reduce construction costs, complexity, and delays. Each Rolls-Royce SMR will produce 470 megawatts, with the technology expected to begin generating power by 2032 at the earliest. This initiative is part of a broader UK nuclear strategy that includes a £14.2 billion investment in the large Sizewell C power station and a £2.5 billion commitment to the SMR program during the current Spending Review period. The government highlights that SMRs are smaller, quicker to build,
energynuclear-powersmall-modular-reactorsRolls-Royceclean-energyUK-energy-strategypower-generationRolls-Royce unveils monster 12-cylinder diesel engine for faster, greener superyachts
energysustainable-propulsionmarine-technologyRolls-Roycediesel-engineemissions-reductionrenewable-diesel