Rolls-Royce Power Systems announced plans to strengthen its development capabilities at its site in Friedrichshafen, Germany, investing tens of millions in the construction of three single-cylinder test benches.
The facilities will expand development capacity at the site and lay the foundation for future combustion technologies, from next-generation conventional diesel engines to engines using alternative fuels such as methanol.
With the new single-cylinder test benches, Rolls-Royce Power Systems is fundamentally modernizing its development environment. The new benches, which were completed in early May 2026, combine high-performance infrastructure, a high degree of automation, precise measurement technology and integrated safety systems.
Electric machines with energy recovery capability expand the range of applications. By recovering energy and shifting test scopes, around 5% of CO2 emissions at the Friedrichshafen site are saved. From the outset, the test benches have been designed to be technology-neutral and are prepared for future fuels.
Rolls-Royce said single-cylinder test benches were among the most important tools in engine development, enabling combustion processes and emissions to be measured precisely and allow individual components to be analyzed and optimized in a targeted manner. This supports development from the initial idea through to series production for both civil and military projects.
The investment is part of an ongoing investment program at Rolls-Royce.
