Rolls Royce Pearl 10X Engine Powers Dassault Falcon 10X Jet

Rolls-Royce Pearl 10X Engine Nears Certification: A New Era in Business Aviation Propulsion

The aviation industry stands at a pivotal point as Rolls-Royce approaches final certification of its Pearl 10X engine. Developed exclusively for the Dassault Falcon 10X business jet, the Pearl 10X represents the most powerful engine in Rolls-Royce’s business aviation portfolio, delivering over 18,000 pounds of thrust. This engine is not only a technological milestone but also a strategic move that places Rolls-Royce in direct competition with established players in the ultra-long-range business jet segment.

With more than 3,400 hours of testing completed and only emissions validation remaining, the Pearl 10X is on the brink of certification. This comes at a time when the business aviation market is experiencing significant growth, projected to expand from $102.69 billion in 2024 to $254.26 billion by 2032. The Pearl 10X is poised to capitalize on this growth, offering a blend of high performance, fuel efficiency, and environmental responsibility.

Evolution of the Pearl Engine Family

The Pearl 10X is the latest evolution in the Pearl engine family, which began with the Pearl 15 in 2018. Rolls-Royce designed the Pearl series to bridge proven BR700 engine features with innovations from the Advance2 demonstrator program. The Pearl 15 powers the Bombardier Global 5500 and 6500, while the Pearl 700 is used on Gulfstream’s G700 and G800 jets.

The Pearl 10X marks Rolls-Royce’s first collaboration with Dassault Aviation. Announced in May 2021, it is designed exclusively for the Falcon 10X, a $75 million ultra-long-range business jet expected to enter service in 2027. The engine incorporates the Advance2 core and introduces several firsts, including 3D-printed combustor tiles.

Rolls-Royce’s strategy with the Pearl engine family has been to progressively introduce advanced materials, higher bypass ratios, and more efficient thermodynamic cycles. The Pearl 10X continues this trend, offering a 5% fuel efficiency improvement over previous-generation engines and full compatibility with 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

Technological Innovations

One of the standout features of the Pearl 10X is its use of 3D-printed combustor tiles. Manufactured using Additive Layer Manufacturing (ALM), these tiles include intricate cooling channels that enhance thermal efficiency and reduce emissions. This is the first time Rolls-Royce has used such technology in a production engine.

The engine’s architecture includes a titanium fan blisk, a 10-stage high-pressure compressor with a 24:1 pressure ratio, a two-stage high-pressure turbine, and a four-stage low-pressure turbine. These components contribute to both performance and efficiency, enabling the Pearl 10X to deliver 18,250 pounds of thrust.

Advanced composite materials are used throughout the engine to reduce weight and enhance durability. The fan system, using a blisked design, improves aerodynamic efficiency and reduces maintenance complexity. These innovations collectively position the Pearl 10X as a leader in next-generation business aviation propulsion.

“Each milestone achieved in the Pearl 10X development programme so far reflects the hard work and dedication of our global engineering and experimental test teams.” — Dr. Phillip Zeller, Rolls-Royce

Certification and Testing Campaign

The Pearl 10X has undergone an extensive certification campaign, including 3,400 hours of testing and 25 flight test sorties covering 41,000 miles. Ground testing began in 2022, validating key systems like the combustor and gearbox. The engine exceeded its thrust targets during its first test run, confirming its design assumptions.

Flight testing was conducted using a Boeing 747-200 testbed in Arizona, evaluating performance across altitudes up to 45,000 feet and speeds up to 690 mph. Tests included inflight relights, performance checks, and emissions assessments. As of mid-2025, only emissions testing remains before final certification.

Certification milestones included bird strike testing, crosswind testing, and emissions compliance. These rigorous tests ensure the engine meets stringent safety and performance standards. The results have aligned with Dassault’s timeline, with Pearl 10X engines already delivered for Falcon 10X prototypes.

Market Context and Competitive Positioning

The Pearl 10X enters a competitive landscape dominated by engines like the Pratt & Whitney PW800 family. However, with 18,250 pounds of thrust, the Pearl 10X surpasses competitors in power output. It also offers a 5% fuel efficiency gain, a critical factor given operating costs of $2,000–$3,000 per hour and charter rates around $11,000 per hour for the Falcon 10X.

The business jets market is projected to grow significantly, from $102.69 billion in 2024 to $254.26 billion by 2032. The aircraft engine market follows a similar trajectory, expected to grow from $118.73 billion in 2025 to $204.80 billion by 2032. Within this context, the Pearl 10X is well-positioned to capture market share in the premium ultra-long-range segment.

Rolls-Royce’s exclusive partnership with Dassault for the Falcon 10X ensures a stable launch platform. The engine’s performance, efficiency, and environmental credentials make it attractive to both OEMs and operators. Its ability to support steep approaches, such as at London City Airport, further expands its operational flexibility.

Environmental and Sustainability Considerations

The Pearl 10X is fully compatible with 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), aligning with industry goals for emissions reduction. SAF can reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80%, depending on feedstock and production methods. This compatibility allows operators to reduce their carbon footprint without sacrificing performance.

The engine’s 3D-printed combustor tiles also contribute to environmental performance by reducing NOx emissions. Efficient combustor cooling and precise fuel-air mixing minimize hot spots and improve combustion efficiency. Combined with a high bypass ratio and advanced materials, these features reduce both CO2 and noise emissions.

Rolls-Royce’s broader environmental strategy includes commitments to carbon neutrality and sustainable propulsion. The Pearl 10X exemplifies this strategy, balancing performance with environmental responsibility. It is designed to meet current and future ICAO emissions and noise standards, ensuring long-term regulatory compliance.

Conclusion

The Pearl 10X represents a significant advancement in business aviation propulsion. With over 18,000 pounds of thrust, cutting-edge manufacturing techniques, and environmental compatibility, it sets a new benchmark in the ultra-long-range segment. Rolls-Royce’s strategic partnership with Dassault and the engine’s strong performance profile position it for commercial success.

As the engine moves toward final certification, it reflects broader industry trends: the integration of sustainable technologies, the use of additive manufacturing, and the demand for high-performance, low-emission propulsion systems. The Pearl 10X is more than just an engine—it’s a glimpse into the future of business aviation.

FAQ

What aircraft will the Pearl 10X power?
The Pearl 10X is designed exclusively for the Dassault Falcon 10X ultra-long-range business jet.

What is the thrust rating of the Pearl 10X?
The engine delivers 18,250 pounds of thrust, making it the most powerful business aviation engine from Rolls-Royce.

Is the Pearl 10X compatible with Sustainable Aviation Fuel?
Yes, the engine is fully compatible with 100% SAF, enabling significant reductions in lifecycle carbon emissions.

Sources:
Aviation Week,
Rolls-Royce,
Dassault Falcon,
Grand View Research,
FlightGlobal,
NASA,
Pratt & Whitney