Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) has decided to participate in development of the Rolls-Royce plc's Trent XWB aero-engine for the Airbus A350 XWB, which is expected to become Airbus's mainstay commercial aircraft. As a risk- and revenue-sharing partner (RRSP), MHI will be responsible for the development and manufacture of the components for the engine's combustion system and manufacture of low-pressure turbine blades and others.

The Trent XWB will be the newest variant in Rolls-Royce's widely acclaimed high-thrust Trent engine series. The new high-bypass turbofan engine, incorporating Rolls-Royce's proprietary three-shaft architecture, will have thrust ratings across a range of 74,000 to 92,000 lb and achieve remarkably higher combustion efficiency. It will also contribute to environmental compatibility by reducing noise and gas emissions. At present, the Trent XWB is the only engine that Airbus has selected for the A350 XWB family.

To date MHI has been in a cooperative relationship with Rolls-Royce through joint involvement in the V2500 engine program, and as an RRSP it has participated in Rolls-Royce's program to develop the Trent 1000, an engine earmarked for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

For MHI, participation in the Trent XWB program is an ideal opportunity to strengthen its international competitiveness in core technology for aero-engines by joining in the engine's development from the initial design stage. Involvement in the program is also very significant for MHI as the Trent XWB, together with Trent 1000, will satisfy most needs of the large-size commercial aero-engine market segment.

The Airbus A350 XWB is being developed as a new family of medium-capacity airliners accommodating 270 to 350 passengers. More than 470 aircraft have already been ordered by 29 customers worldwide, and the first flights are scheduled to begin in 2013.

In the area of commercial aero-engines, to date MHI has participated in the development and manufacture of Pratt & Whitney's PW4000, PW6000, JT8D-200 and other engine models, International Aero Engines' (IAE) V2500 – an engine jointly developed internationally – and Rolls-Royce's Trent 1000. Boosted by its latest agreement on participation in the Trent XWB program, the company will now further focus its efforts to expand and enhance its business in commercial aero-engines.