Rolls-Royce is investing £3bn in developing a narrowbody UltraFan demonstrator, with German officials lobbying for their state to play a larger role in the project. The move comes as Rolls considers re-entering the narrow-body plane market, which it left over a decade ago, missing out on lucrative opportunities. UltraFan could improve engine efficiency by 10%. Rolls-Royce is investing £3bn in developing a narrowbody Ultrafan demonstrator that can be scaled up or down for various aircraft. The technology has potential applications in defense as well. Germany has played a crucial role in the development, sparking a debate about where production should be based, with implications for jobs and national security. Germany is keen to strengthen its aerospace industry amid challenges from China, while the UK faces pressure to retain high-value jobs. Germany lacks a champion in making complete commercial jet engines, leaving it vulnerable in disputes over production. The UK government is urged to act to protect high-quality jobs at Rolls-Royce amid competition from Germany. Germany’s commitment to defense and infrastructure spending puts pressure on the UK to retain Rolls-Royce jobs. The UK government is urged to have tough conversations with Rolls-Royce to secure jobs and protect national interests. Amid competition from Germany, the UK government faces challenges in retaining Rolls-Royce jobs and securing its position in the aerospace sector.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: The German plot to woo Rolls-Royce