Feb 05, 2026
The fascination of engine maintenance up close: excursion to N3 Engine Overhaul Services
The TU Dresden excursion group in front of a Rolls-Royce engine in the halls of N3
An in-depth insight into the world of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) for students and staff at TU Dresden
On 5 February 2026, a group from the Chair of Aircraft Engineering (LFT) at TU Dresden had the opportunity to gain a close-up understanding of one of the most complex systems in aviation. The destination of the excursion was the N3 Engine Overhaul Services plant in Arnstadt, Thuringia. The event offered a unique opportunity to link classroom theory with industrial practice.
Zu Gast bei einem der weltweit führenden Standorte für die Instandhaltung von Rolls-Royce Trent Triebwerken
From theory to practice
The visit began with a detailed introduction to the company. This not only highlighted the technical specifications of the Rolls-Royce Trent engines serviced in Arnstadt, but also explained the logistical challenges of a modern maintenance operation.
The life cycle of an engine: a tour
The highlight of the excursion was the subsequent comprehensive tour of the factory halls. Led by two experts who provided us with in-depth insights, the group was able to follow the entire process of engine inspection and maintenance:
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Delivery & disassembly: The start of the process, in which the huge units are dismantled into their individual parts.
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Inspection & cleaning: Detailed analysis of the components for wear and damage.
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Repair: High-tech processes for component restoring.
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Assembly & testing: Final assembly and the test run that ensures operational readiness.
The opportunity to look over the shoulders of engineers and mechanics and ask questions about specific work steps made this tour a unique experience for all technology enthusiasts.
Such a detailed insight behind the scenes is not something that can be taken for granted. The Chair of Aircraft Engineering would like to express its thanks to everyone involved in making this day possible. A big thank you goes to Ms Paula Starkloff for her excellent organisation and communication in the run-up to the event. We would like to thank the managing director, Mr Stefan Landes, for his time and words. We would also like to thank the N3 employees involved for the technical presentation and the expert tour of the halls.
We look forward to offering students these valuable insights in the future.