Advanced Test Bed Fabrication for Aero Engines
- Client: Rolls-Royce, General Electric, BAE Systems
- Manufacturer: WEC Group
- Locations: UK Wide, including Derby, Wales and Scotland.
Project Overview
WEC Group has become a trusted partner for the fabrication and installation of complex test bed structures for some of the world’s leading aerospace and engineering organisations. Our portfolio includes major projects delivered for Rolls-Royce (including Test Beds 54 and 80), General Electric in Wales, and BAE Systems in Scotland.
These bespoke test beds are critical to the safe and efficient testing of cutting-edge aero engines, and each project showcases WEC Group’s engineering precision, large-scale fabrication capabilities, and commitment to innovation.
Supporting the World’s Largest Indoor Engine Test Bed
One of WEC Group’s most recent and prestigious contributions is the fabrication of a 17-metre-long by 6.5-metre-diameter blast basket for Rolls-Royce’s indoor engine test facility in Derby—the largest of its kind in the world.
This advanced facility will support the testing of engines such as the Trent XWB and Trent 1000, and is fully equipped to accommodate UltraFan—Rolls-Royce’s next-generation engine designed to power future aircraft with greater efficiency and lower emissions.
Engineering Excellence & Project Delivery
WEC Group’s work on these high-performance test beds involved heavy fabrication, precision welding, and strict adherence to aerospace-grade specifications. All components were manufactured and assembled in-house at our UK facilities, ensuring full quality control and traceability throughout the process.
Our experience in working with aerospace primes has allowed us to meet the demanding safety, performance, and compliance standards required for such critical infrastructure.
Delivering Innovation to the Aerospace Sector
With a proven track record in delivering complex fabrications for the aerospace industry, WEC Group continues to support next-generation engine development and testing across the UK. These projects reflect our ongoing commitment to excellence in large-scale fabrication and our ability to deliver high-spec, mission-critical infrastructure on time and to exacting standards.