U.S., Oct. 16 -- Rolls-Royce has chosen aerospace manufacturer AeroTEC to modify a former Qantas Boeing 747-400 to test the next generation of cutting-edge technologies for its engines.

Rolls-Royce will use the aircraft to test current and future jet engine technology that will transform flight, reduce emissions and set new benchmarks for efficiency. A $70mn investment will create a flying digital hub, analysing more flight test data than ever before.

As a flying testbed, it will be fitted with the latest testing capabilities and for the first time, will test engines which power both commercial and business aircraft. New systems will obtain better data faster than ever before, and technologies will be tested at higher altitudes and fast...