The GENX engine for The Boeing Company's new 7E7 Dreamliner aircraft will produce 55,000 to 70,000 pounds of thrust. The GENX technology features: 

- Architecture: Derived from the ultra-high-thrust GE90 engine, the world's most powerful engine, powering the Boeing 777 since 1995. This engine represents the fifth application of the GE90 baseline architecture. 

- Composite front fan blades also derived from the GE90 - the only composite fan blades in aviation. These third-generation composite blades (with a titanium leading edge) are lightweight and highly durable, and provide efficient performance and low-noise characteristics. 

- Compressor is scaled from the 10-stage GE90-94B compressor, with a 23-to-1 pressure ratio, the highest in aviation. It is being designed for the aggressive fuel-efficiency and all-electric requirements of the 7E7. 

- A unique combustor (where compressed air and fuel are mixed) that incorporates TAPS (twin annular, premixing swirlers) technology from GE's technology demonstrator engine programs to sharply reduce emissions. 

- Counterrotating, two-spool system. The high-pressure compressor and high-pressure turbine section rotate on one spool; the fan, booster and low-pressure turbine sections rotate in the opposite direction on a second spool. The design reduces parts and enhances performance. 

During 2004, GE embarks on an aggressive series of component tests to validate the GENX technologies prior to firming up the engine configuration at year's end. Detailed design will occur in 2005, leading to the first full engine to test in 2006. Engine certification is targeted for 2007 to meet a 2008 entry into service.