New Trent Programme

Rolls-Royce PLC
13 February 2001


ROLLS-ROYCE TO LAUNCH NEW TRENT ENGINES

Rolls-Royce plc, the aerospace, energy and marine group, announced today (13
February 2001) further development of the Trent aero engine family, comprising
the Trent 900 for the Airbus Industrie A380 family and the Trent 600 for the
Boeing 747X and Longer Range 767-400ER aircraft. 

The Trent 900 and 600 are the latest members of the highly successful Trent
family of aero engines, based on the unique Rolls-Royce three-shaft design. 
Thirty customers and operators have ordered more than 1,400 firm and option
Trent engines worth more than £12 billion.

John Rose, Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce, said:  'The new Trent  programme
will reinforce the position of Rolls-Royce as a leader in the world civil
aviation market, as well as strengthening the company's links with the world's
two major airframe manufacturers.  

'The programme will provide a further stimulus to technology acquisition and
high-technology manufacturing in the UK.  It will also sustain over 7,000 jobs
within Rolls-Royce and its UK supply chain.'

This programme will involve a number of international and UK industrial
partners. 

It was also announced today that the UK Government is providing investment of
£250 million for the Trent 900 and Trent 600 for which they will receive a
commercial return from future engine sales.

The Trent 900 has been selected by Singapore Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and
International Lease Finance Corporation for their A380s.   The A380's first
flight is scheduled for 2004, with entry into service in 2006. The Trent 600,
for Boeing, is due to receive engine certification in 2003.

The Trent 900 will have a 116 inch diameter fan and will be certificated at
80,000lb take-off thrust. The initial in-service rating will range from 68,000
to 75,000lb thrust.  The Trent 600 will have a 102 inch diameter fan and will
operate at 68,000lb to 72,000lb thrust. 


Note to editors:  

Rolls-Royce plc is a global company providing power for land, sea and air. The
company has established leading positions in civil aerospace, defence, marine
and energy markets. Its core gas turbine technology has created one of the
broadest product ranges of aero engines in the world, with 55,000 engines in
service in over 150 countries. Customers include more than 500 airlines, 2,400
corporate and utility operators and 160 armed forces, using both fixed and
rotary wing aircraft. 

Rolls-Royce is the global leader in marine power systems with a broad product
range and full systems integration capability. Over 2,000 marine customers and
more than 30 navies use Rolls-Royce propulsion. The company is investing in
new products and capabilities for energy markets which include the oil and gas
industry and power generation. It also develops its own power projects through
Rolls-Royce Power Ventures Ltd.

Rolls-Royce pioneered gas turbine technology for aerospace, power generation
and marine propulsion and is involved in the major future programmes in these
fields. These include the Trent aero and industrial engines, the Eurofighter
Typhoon and Joint Strike Fighter combat engines, the WR21 marine engine and
leading edge water jet propulsion systems.

 
For further information please contact:
Tim Blythe, Director - Corporate Communications
Rolls-Royce plc
Tel:   [phone]
Fax:  [phone]
www.rolls-royce.com