Building strong partnerships as the XP1 assembly is coming to a close

Last week, the team met with engineering executives at Rolls-Royce to present progress of the X-Plorer 1 project and discuss key matters that will broaden our cooperation on a technical basis. Rolls-Royce joined JetX as a key sponsor and we are delighted to be working with one of the greatest jet engine manufacturers with influence on the aerospace sector worldwide.

JetX plans to join the RR efforts, particularly of the Inchinnan team to promote STEM subjects and encourage young people to pursue engineering by presenting the wide range of interesting areas and projects. Furthermore, Rolls-Royce has kindly offered to assist us on a knowledge and technical basis where possible to help us further raise the level and quality of future projects. In a statement to the University of Glasgow's media team, Garry Train, the Rolls-Royce Manufacturing Executive for Compressors, said:

"We are incredibly impressed with the progress of the 3D-printed JetX engine, and this has led Rolls-Royce to offer financial support to the team. We will also be offering engineering advice and support to the JetX students who have now visited our Compressors Engineering facility in Inchinnan. We are looking forward to working with them on their test programme for the fully-assembled engine later this year."

(Left to right): Ross Williams (JetX), Russell Teeling (Rolls-Royce), Michael Wild (JetX), Chris Triantafyllou (JetX)

February and March were incredibly busy months that saw the final parts being 3D-printed, including a number of revisions. Some late issues with on-board electronics have been fully resolved, whilst the software that supplements the EMS and allows us to monitor engine performance in real time, wirelessly was also finalised. The electronics and pneumatics are now being fitted while 88 threaded inserts are heat-pressed in nacelle parts to allow for practical assembly and disassembly.

The production is expected to come to an official end next week with pre-testing scheduled for late May.

You can also read the story by the University of Glasgow's Media team here!