THE latest version of the Rolls-Royce RB211 engine has passed a milestone.

The 524G/H-T has completed its programme of flight testing at Boeing's Seattle headquarters.

The test aircraft - a Boeing 747-400 fitted with two of the G/H-T engines alongside standard 524G engines - undertook 27 flights in 16 days. Final certification of the G/H-T powered Boeing 747-400 expected in January 1998. Three customers - South African Airways, Cathay Pacific and Cargolux - have already specified the latest version of the well-proven RB211-524 for new and existing 747-400s. Other operators of the RB211-powered 747s include British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Qantas and Air New Zealand.

The firm's Barnoldswick site manufactures components including wide chord fan blades for the engines.

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