First full GE9X engine hits the mark in ground testing

GE Aviation completed the initial ground testing of the first full GE9X development engine, the world’s largest commercial aircraft engine that will power Boeing’s 777X aircraft, with impressive results.

“This engine is living up to our expectations, and we are extremely pleased with the results,” said Ted Ingling, general manager of the GE9X program at GE Aviation. “During ground testing at GE Aviation’s Peebles Testing Operation, the first GE9X engine performed flawlessly, providing the Engineering team with 1,200 individual data streams that reaffirmed the design. We look forward to the next phase of testing for the engine program.”

The first GE9X engine accumulated 167 hours, 213 cycles and 89 starts during ground testing. The recent testing provided data on the engine’s aero and thermal characteristics, mechanical integrity, performance and operability. Later this year, GE Aviation will conduct preliminary ice testing on the first engine to test (FETT) to get a sneak peek at how the engine will perform.

The FETT is a culmination of maturation testing on the GE9X technologies, which started five years ago. The GE9X FETT testing, which began in late March, occurred much earlier in the engine development process and a mere six months after the engine design was finalized. This timing enables all FETT learnings to be captured in the certification engines.

A second round of testing is underway on a GEnx demonstrator engine with GE9X CMC (ceramic matrix composite) components in the combustor and turbine. With one-third the density of metal alloys and greater thermal capabilities, lightweight CMC components reduce an engine’s overall weight for improved fuel efficiency, engine performance and durability.

Certification testing on the GE9X program will begin in the first half of next year along with flight testing on GE Aviation’s flying test bed. Engine certification is expected in 2018.

With almost 700 GE9X engines on order, the GE9X engine will be in the 100,000 pound thrust class and will have the largest front fan at 134 inches in diameter with a composite fan case and 16 fourth generation carbon fiber composite fan blades. Other key features include; a next-generation 27:1 pressure-ratio 11-stage high-pressure compressor; a third-generation TAPS III combustor for high efficiency and low emissions; and CMC material in the combustor and turbine.

IHI Corporation, Safran Aircraft Engines, Safran Aero Boosters and MTU Aero Engines AG are participants in the GE9X engine program.