Singapore - The propulsor modules are complete and final assembly is under way on the first full-scale GEnx engine, which will begin testing next month at GE's test facility near Peebles, Ohio. The GEnx engine is being developed for the Boeing 787 and 747-8 and the Airbus A350 aircraft. 



"We are on schedule for our first engine test in March," said Tom Brisken, general manager of the GEnx program. "The configuration of the first GEnx test engine is more than 90% production standard with extensive instrumentation to capture as much data as possible. Our testing program is very aggressive with our second GEnx engine scheduled to begin testing seven weeks after the first engine test. In total, seven GEnx engines will be tested by the end of 2006." 



Engine certification for the GEnx engine for the Boeing 787 is scheduled for 2007 with entry into service in 2008. The GEnx certification schedule for the A350 includes engine certification in 2009 and aircraft/engine certification in 2010. 



The GEnx is based on the highly successful GE90 architecture. It will succeed GE's CF6 engine family, which is the most reliable and best-selling engine on wide-body aircraft. It provides significantly better specific fuel consumption and payload performance than GE's CF6 engines. 



The GEnx engine is the world's only jet engine with both a front fan case and fan blades made of composites, which provide for greater engine durability, weight reduction and lower operating costs. The fan blades will utilize GE90 composite technology that has performed well, with no routine on-wing maintenance required and no in-service issue for almost a decade. The GEnx will operate with 18 fan blades (50 percent fewer than the CF6) at noise levels lower than any large GE commercial engine. The GEnx also features a new combustor for efficient fuel mixing before ignition, resulting in significantly lower NOx levels. 



The GEnx is part of GE's "ecomagination" product portfolio--GE's commitment to develop new, cost-effective technologies that enhance customers' environmental and operating performance. 



To visually experience the GEnx, visit the GEnx Theater on line. 



GE - Aviation, an operating unit of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is one of the world's leading manufacturers of jet engines for civil and military aircraft. GE also is a world-leading provider of maintenance and support services for jet engines.