EVENDALE, OHIO -- The GEnx-1B engine for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner today received airworthiness engine certification from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration.
The FAR (Federal Aviation Regulation) 33 certification follows an extensive two-year ground- and flight-test program that involved nine engines and two flight-test programs on GE's 747 flying test bed. During its development and certification program, the GEnx ran 4,800 cycles and more than 3,600 hours.
"The ground- and flight-tests validated that the GEnx-1B engine will have the lowest fuel consumption and be the most environmentally responsible solution for Boeing 787 operators," said Tom Brisken, general manager of the GEnx program. "We are extremely proud of the engine's performance, and today's achievement is a great testament to our engineers and the entire GE team who have worked on the GEnx engine."
With more than 1,100 engines sold to date, the GEnx is the fastest-selling engine in GE's history. Based on the proven architecture of the GE90, the GEnx will succeed GE's CF6 engine. Compared to the CF6, the GEnx will offer 15 percent improved fuel efficiency, which translates into 15 percent less CO2. It is designed to stay on wing 30 percent 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. The GEnx will also be the quietest engine that GE has produced, based on a pound-of-thrust-per-decibel ratio. As the world's only jet engine with both a front fan case and fan blades made of carbon fiber composites, the GEnx will also have greater durability, less weight as well as lower operating costs than comparable engines in its class.
IHI of Japan, TechSpace Aero of Belgium, Avio SpA. of Italy, Volvo Aero of Sweden 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 integrated digital, electric power, and mechanical systems for aircraft. GE Aviation also has a global service network to support these offerings.