LE BOURGET - With GEnx engine development in full swing, General Electric Company is progressing through several key validation tests, leading to the first full engine run in early 2006.
It is GE's most aggressive technology maturation program ever prior to full-engine testing. Rig tests to mature the front fan system and the twin-annular, pre-mixing swirler (TAPS) combustor, as well as an engine core test, continue this year into 2006. In addition, fabrication of GEnx components is well underway for beginning final assembly of the first full engine in October. The tests include:
*Composite front fan system: Based on successful subscale fan blade tests at GE, Snecma Moteurs, and NASA Glenn Research Center, the GEnx is being designed with 18 composite fan blades (down from 22 blades for the GE90.) In addition, GE in 2004 successfully completed its first "blade-out" rig test using a composite fan case and blades. In May of this year, a second sub-scale blade-out rig test (using 18 blades) was successfully completed.
Later this year, a blade-out rig test will occur for the first time on a full-scale composite fan system (case and blades) representative of the GEnx configuration. Another full-scale blade-out test will be conducted in early 2006 using the same fan system design as the first full engine.
*Combustor: In February, GE completed its first rig tests for the twin-annular, pre-mixing swirler (TAPS) lean-burning combustor. The tests, which evaluated various fuel nozzle configurations, confirmed lower NOx levels and lower temperatures to the turbine. Two additional rig tests will be run later this year and in early 2006 with the actual GEnx nozzle configuration.
*Core engine: In the fourth quarter of 2005, GE will run an engine core (compressor, combustor, turbine) to evaluate the GEnx compressor's 3D aero performance characteristics, among other key compressor measurements.
The GEnx, selected for both Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 aircraft, is the next-generation of engine technology to succeed GE's highly successful CF6 series, the best-selling engine family for wide-body aircraft. Based on the architecture of the GE90 engine, it will produce 55,000 to 75,000 pounds of thrust. Engine certification is schedule for 2007.
Five international companies combine for an approximately 35 percent share of the new GEnx engine. They are Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries (IHI) of Japan, Avio SpA of Italy, Volvo Aero of Sweden, and Techspace Aero of Belgium.
GE Transportation - Aircraft Engines, a part of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is one of the world's leading manufacturers of jet engines for civil and military aircraft. GE Transportation is headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio.