Originally Posted by Milt
RR Flight Tests
Has there been a flying test bed for the new giant engine for the A380 or does it have to be the first A300.?
RR used an A340 as a flying test bed for the Trent 900 (A380) as they did for the Trent 500 (A340-500/600).
http://www.airliners.net/open.file/0757884/L/
They have purchased a 747 (ex CX and others) for use as a flying test bed for the Trent 1000 (787).
Story:
http://www.rolls-royce.com/media/showPR.jsp?PR_ID=40219
Pic:
http://www.rolls-royce.com/media/ima...ages/ftb01.jpg