LE BOURGET -- GE's GEnx-2B engine for the new Boeing 747-8 aircraft is close to completing the first phase of its flight tests on GE's 747 flying testbed.
"The flight crew at GE's Flight Test Operation in Victorville, California, has put the GEnx-2B engine through multiple tests to validate performance and operability," said Tom Brisken, general manager of the GEnx Program at GE Aviation. "The engine has proven itself in more than 100 flight-hours on its 25 flights."
The flight tests are part of the GEnx-2B's certification program, which involves five development engines. The engines have run more than 1,100 hours and 1,400 cycles in ground tests since certification testing began in February 2008. The second phase of flight-testing on GE's 747 flying testbed is scheduled for this fall. Flight tests on the Boeing 747-8 aircraft are scheduled for September.
The GEnx-2B engine certification program closely follows the successful engine certification program for the GEnx-1B that will power Boeing's 787 Dreamliner.
"GE hasn't experienced this level of engine certification activity since three variants of the CF6 engine were certified in the mid-1980s," commented Brisken. "The close timing of the certification programs has enabled us to quickly incorporate lessons learned into the final design of both engines."
The GEnx-2B engine is optimized for the Boeing 747-8 aircraft, but shares a common core and 80 percent of the line-replaceable units with the GEnx-1B.
The GEnx is the fastest selling engine in GE's history with more than 1,100 engines on order. Based on the proven architecture of the GE90, the GEnx engine will succeed GE's CF6 engine. Compared to the CF6 engine, the GEnx engine will offer 15 percent improved fuel efficiency, which translates to 15 percent less CO2. It is designed to stay on wing longer than the CF6, while using 30 percent fewer parts, greatly reducing maintenance.
The GEnx emissions will be as much as 95 percent below current regulatory limits, and the GEnx will be the quietest engine that GE has produced, based on the ratio of decibels to pounds of thrust. As the world's only jet engine with both a front fan case and fan blades made of carbon fiber composites, the GEnx will have greater durability and lower operating costs than comparable engines in its class.
IHI of Japan, Avio SpA. of Italy, Volvo Aero of Sweden, MTU of Germany, TechSpace Aero of Belgium, Snecma (SAFRAN Group) of France and Samsung Techwin of Korea are revenue-sharing participants in the GEnx program.
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.
GE Aviation, an operating unit of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is a world-leading provider of commercial and military jet engines and components as well as avionics, electric power, and mechanical systems for aircraft. GE Aviation also has a global service network to support these offerings.