Generates 80,500 Lbs Of Thrust In Run-Up

That big roar you may have heard around Peebles, OH Tuesday was the sound of progress in Boeing's quest to build the 787 Dreamliner.

General Electric Aviation says its first run-up test of the GEnx engine came off without a hitch. The new engine generated 80,500 pounds of thrust, and was the culmination of a design and manufacturing process that was so successful, the tests were held three days early.

"It is exciting to see the GEnx come to life," said Tom Brisken, general manager of the GEnx program. "Engine assembly was flawless, and engine testing began three days ahead of schedule. We are extremely pleased with initial test results and are looking forward to validating the GEnx technology."

The GEnx was fired up for the first time for idle tests March 19.

The engine's maturation program will accumulate more than 15,000 cycles by entry into service and 50,000 cycles total. With a range of thrust from 53,000 to 75,000 lbs, this GEnx engine will power all versions of the 787 Dreamliner.

The GEnx engine will not only power the Dreamliner. It'll also replace GE's CF-6 engine family designed for wide-bodied aircraft such as the Boeing 747, and will also power Airbus's A350 Dreamliner-fighter.

The GEnx is slated to go into service in 2008. Seventeen customers have so far ordered 575 NX engines from GE.

FMI: www.geae.com