[2] The RB.203 was a private venture engine built on the core of the Rolls-Royce Turbomeca Adour turbofan used in the SEPECAT Jaguar and the later Hawker Siddeley Hawk.

The Advanced Technology Engine RB.203 embraced the new scalable technologies such as the three-spool architecture, a high pressure annular combustor, the extensive use of composites throughout the low pressure compressor and engine casing, air-cooled turbine blading, squeeze-film bearings and a structurally integrated duct, the gearbox driven from the high pressure shaft and located in the nacelle.

[5] The Trent RB.203 design objectives were: The engine was aimed primarily at the short-haul market as a Spey replacement.

Specific fuel consumption was projected to be better than the then current engines and noise reduction was also a design feature.

[8] A key technology introduced on the RB.203 Trent was its structurally integrated nacelle, also referred to as a power plant.