Rolls-Royce invests tens of millions in new test benches in Friedrichshafen

• Investment of tens of millions of euros in state-of-the-art test bench technology
• Greater automation, safety and flexibility
• Prepared for future fuels such as methanol
• Strengthening development at the Friedrichshafen site

Rolls-Royce Power Systems is strengthening its development capabilities at its site in Friedrichshafen, Germany, investing tens of millions in the construction of three state-of-the-art single-cylinder test benches. The facilities will expand development capacity at the site and lay the technological foundation for future combustion technologies – from next generation conventional diesel engines to engines using alternative fuels such as methanol.

Martin Urban, Executive Vice President Engineering at Rolls-Royce Power Systems, said:
“With the new test benches, we are laying the groundwork for the reliable development of sophisticated propulsion technologies in the future.” 

State-of-the-art test bench technology for the next stage of development 

With the new single-cylinder test benches, Rolls-Royce Power Systems is fundamentally modernising 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 five per cent 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.

A precision tool for engine development

Single-cylinder test benches are among the most important tools in engine development. They enable combustion processes and emissions to be measured precisely and allow individual components to be analysed and optimised in a targeted manner. In this way, they support development from the initial idea through to series production – for both civil and military projects.

Despite the high technical complexity and the fact that implementation took place while operations were ongoing, the project has been completed on schedule. The investment is part of an ongoing investment programme made possible by the continuing transformation of Rolls-Royce, and supports the further development of the development infrastructure at the Friedrichshafen site.