The British based company Rolls Royce is bringing the good old propeller engines back into the aviation industry with a little difference. The company is making an attempt to decrease fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emission by the aircrafts.

Design: Rolls Royce’s turboprops have two sets of propellers at the back, rotating in opposite directions. The newer versions have more number of blades, squatted in shape and are thinner. The engine doesn’t have a casing around it and is lighter compared to conventional ones.

Advantages: The advanced open rotors bring down the fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by 30%. They have a higher bypass ratio and their modest weight increases fuel efficiency by reducing the drag.

Drawbacks: Noise and propeller designs were the two things that prevented the rise of these engines in the early 20th century. But now, these problems have been put to rest, thanks to the engineers at the Rolls Royce. The newly designed blades run at lower speeds and make the engine quieter.

On a Final Note: There have been mixed responses over the success of the tests conducted on these engines. However, with the fuel prices moving up and the increasing environmental concern of the aviation industry, these engines may be put to work in the near future.

Source: Guardian