GE Aviation has begun ground testing of the new engine that will power the Boeing 777X, known as GE9X. According to the company, the ground tests will be completed from that date and will serve to analyze the entire context of operation and durability of the components. GE's goal is to certify the engine by mid-2018, to enable Boeing to meet the proposed schedule.
Maturation testing of the GE9X engine began about five years ago and progressed in levels until the first complete engine was available for testing. This unit being evaluated now incorporates all the technologies listed in the GE9X design, it is exactly like an engine planned to be delivered to Boeing.
Compared to other GE engine programs, the GE9X is early in the development process, about 6 months earlier than anticipated after completion of the first unit. This calendar ensures that all operational characteristics will be analyzed in the certification engines. Next year will be a busy year for the GE9X program, with certification testing and flight testing beginning, leading up to certification in 2018.
With almost 700 orders, the GE9X engine will initially have 100 lb of thrust and will have the largest front fan among engines of this type, measuring 134 inches in diameter and featuring carbon fiber blades. Other features include, a 27:1 pressure-ratio with 11 high-pressure compressor stages; the third generation of combustors called TAPS III; and CMC material in the combustion chamber and turbine.
