Technology for a Cleaner - Quieter Tomorrow

We are all responsible for protecting the delicate balance of our environment. At GE, we take this responsibility seriously. Through continuous research and development programs, we are constantly pursuing further developments to improve our industry leading emissions record.

Aircraft emissions and noise are two factors which affect the environment. Noise is a major issue in an airport's immediate surroundings, while aircraft emissions affect not only the immediate vicinity, but may have global implications.

Emissions

The emissions in question are the gaseous and particulate emissions of combustion. They can come from motor vehicles, factories, furnaces, trains and boats, as well as aircraft. The emissions produced by jet engines comprise about 2 percent or less of the global sources of emissions.

Two classes of emissions:

• Natural by product, include water vapor (H2O) and CO2.
• More harmful emissions which are regulated by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) include; unburned hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxides (CO), and nitrogen oxides (NOx).

By utilizing advancecd technology and our pro-active approach, GE has developed an industry leading low emissions combustor (LEC) which meets all present and anticipated levels of environmentally harmful emissions - HC, CO, NOx and visible smoke.

Noise

Aircraft noise can be described as the unwanted sound of both airflow and mechanical origin, with engines being the primary source. Aviation authorities, environmental agencies and airports are all potential sources of noise regulations. Generally, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) set the regulations that apply to all new aircraft. The current regulation which governs new aircraft noise regulations is titled FAR 36 Stage 3.

Airlines and operators worldwide recognize the CF6-80C2/E1 family as meeting all currently applicable FAR 36 Stage 3 noise regulations by a margin of at least 10 Effective Perceived Noise in decibels (EPNdB). In fact, GE's highest thrust CF6 model, the CF6-80E1A3 rated a 72,000 lb. thrust, meets the noise regulations at some of the world's most restrictive airports like London's Heathrow.

GE's never ending commitment to the environment provides the drive for our engineers to explore ways of making continuous improvements in noise reduction technology for all of our engine lines. Our engineers scrutinize engine noise sources and successfully control them by using component design and abatement technologies. In the future, CF6 engine and nacelle designs use of new extensive noise attenuation treatment along with new technologies like the chevron exhaust nozzle will ensure that the CF6 family of engines will be on the cutting edge of noise abatement technology for generations to come.