The business of developing the future ire continues, with GE Aviation gaining FAA approval for the engine that will power the Boeing 777X – The GE9X
The GE9X – Image, GE Aviation.
The GE9X engine has been certified by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration authorities, marking a key milestone for the new twin-engine Boeing 777X family. The testing was completed used eight test engines, with under 5,000 hours and 8,000 cycles for certification. These eight test engines, along with two spares are with Boeing in Seattle to continue the development of the Boeing 777X.
An additional 3,000 cycles of additional ground testing on the GE9X engine will be conducted to support Extended Operations (ETOPS) approval. The GE9X team is also conducting maturation testing to help GE engineers prepare to support the engine in service.
In performance terms, it is designed to achieve 10% less fuel burn compared to the GE90-115B.
GE has received orders and commitments for more than 600 GE9X engines. Along with the eight test engines and two spares, serial production of engines has started.
The GE9X installed on GE Aviation’s 747-400 Flying Test Bed – Image, GE Aviation
In quotes
John Slattery, president and CEO of GE Aviation said
“It takes the world’s best talent in jet propulsion to create a game-changing product like the GE9X engine,”
“There is no substitute that can achieve the combination of size, power and fuel efficiency of the GE9X. This engine will deliver unsurpassed value and reliability to our airline customers. I want to congratulate the entire GE9X team and thank Boeing, our partners and suppliers for the collaboration on this incredible achievement.”
Bill Fitzgerald, vice president and general manager of Commercial Engines Operation for GE Aviation said
“Just as the GE90 pioneered new technology for commercial aircraft engines more than 25 years ago on the Boeing 777, the GE9X sets the new standard for engine performance and efficiency thanks to the incorporation of GE’s most advanced technologies developed over the last decade,”
Karl Sheldon, GE9X program general manager said
“This milestone has been accomplished thanks to the tremendous efforts of the GE9X team and our partners”.
“The GE9X engine has been through a rigorous and thorough certification and testing process. We are pleased with the performance of the engine, which has been validated through extensive ground and flight testing. We are excited to deliver a mature, state-of-the-art product to operators around the world.”
Delayed but Certified
For GE Aviation – is a major milestone that has passed as the Boeing 777X project takes shape. Whist there were issues with the engines that held up the first flight for nearly a year, it seems they have been ironed out – to the point where serial production can now occur.
Whilst delivery of the Boeing 777X has been pushed back to 2022, its just one part of the puzzle that will make up Boeing’s next long haul passenger aircraft.
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