EVENDALE, OHIO - GE Aircraft Engines (GEAE) is offering to The Boeing Company and its customers new versions of the CF6-80C2 engine for the quieter, longer-range 747-400XQLR wide-body aircraft, which is targeted for entry into service in 2004.
The 747-400XQLR is being developed in both passenger and freighter versions and will offer significant improvements over current 747 noise performance. The noise reduction is a result of changes to the engine's nacelles and nozzles, as well as aerodynamic enhancements to the wing of the aircraft.
"We are excited about the opportunity to work with Boeing and our customers on providing a quieter wide-body aircraft," said Rick Stanley, general manager of GEAE's CF6 Project. "These technologies will enable our customers to undertake more nighttime operations and reduce noise-related fees."
The engine ratings are designated B9F and B10F. The B9F is a hybrid of the current B1F (58,000 lbs.) and B5F (60,800 lbs.) ratings and will power the 747-400XQLR at 875,000 pounds (lbs.) aircraft maximum takeoff weight (MTOW). The B9F noise level is targeted to fall into the London-Heathrow (LHR) QC2 departure category. This is a significant improvement over the current QC4 noise rating, since nighttime scheduled departures for QC4 noise levels will shortly be terminated at LHR.
The B10F rating will be used for MTOW greater than 875,000 lbs., up to 921,000 lbs. The B10F thrust rating is equivalent to the B5F rating with software modifications to address how the chevron exhaust nozzles influence engine operation. The B10F rating will operate at the current B5F rating throughout takeoff and climb required for operating at the higher takeoff weight. The B10F rating will allow the aircraft to achieve transpacific service on a wider variety of routes. The aircraft's noise level will be lower than that of an unmodified version at the same 921,000 lbs. MTOW.
GEAE will introduce minor engine changes, including a modified fan casing acoustic treatment and consolidation of inlet probes. The CF6-80C2 engine will be interchangeable within either the new nacelle or existing nacelles.
For this new application, GEAE is replacing the aft portion of the existing perforated forward fan case panel with a semi-hardwall fan case panel. Also, GEAE is proposing switching from two single-element inlet temperature probes to a single, dual-element probe, a configuration already certified on the MD-11 aircraft. The removal of one probe and the accompanying probe scoops eliminates sources of noise at blade passage frequencies.
The thrust reverser, which will be manufactured by Middle River Aircraft Systems (MRAS) and will feature an additional acoustic treatment on the bifurcations and internal surfaces, an optimized transcowl and blocker door treatment, a 10-inch extension to the fan duct and an advanced-technology chevron nozzle. The CF6-80C2's core stream exhaust has also been reconfigured to include a chevron nozzle that will decrease the engine's overall noise signature.
"Certification tests will begin with ground testing later this year at GE's Peebles test facility and will finish in early 2004, prior to the aircraft's entry into service target," said Stanley.
As published by Boeing, the 747-400XQLR's overall noise exposure area will be reduced by 20 percent on takeoff and 40 percent on landing, compared with that of the 747-400.
Currently certified on 11 wide-body aircraft models, the CF6-80C2 has logged more than 75 million flight hours with more than 110 customers worldwide since entering service in 1985. The CF6-80C2 powers the Airbus A300 and A310 families, and the Boeing 747, 767, and MD-11 aircraft.
MRAS designs, manufactures and services complex aerostructures, including large engine thrust reversers and related components, for commercial and military jets. ISO 9001 registered, MRAS is certified as a repair and overhaul station by both the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA). MRAS is a subsidiary of GE, the world's leading manufacturer of jet engines for military and commercial aircraft.
GE Aircraft Engines, a division of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is the world's leading manufacturer of jet engines for civil and military aircraft, including engines produced by CFM International, a 50/50 joint company of Snecma Moteurs of France and GE. GEAE also manufactures gas turbines, derived from its highly successful jet engine programs, for marine and industrial applications. In addition, GEAE provides comprehensive maintenance support, through its GE Engine Services operation, for GE and non-GE jet engines in service throughout the world.