Boeing Decides Against Pratt & Whitney
Boeing has selected two
engine types, the General Electric GENX and Rolls-Royce Trent 1000,
for its all-new Boeing 7E7 Dreamliner, an airplane Boeing says will
provide the world's airlines with exceptional efficiency and
environmental performance.
Boeing's decision follows months of collaboration with the
leading manufacturers of large commercial airplane engines.
"The General Electric
and Rolls-Royce engines will enable the 7E7 to fly higher, faster,
farther, cleaner, quieter and more efficiently than comparable
airplanes," said 7E7 Senior Vice President Mike Bair. "Having an
engine choice is a key consideration for our customers. We're now
offering two excellent options for the 7E7."
Both engine types will be capable of providing between 55,000
and 70,000 lbs. of thrust, which will allow the three planned 7E7
models to use the same basic engines.
Boeing claims the 7E7 will reduce fuel use -- and associated
emissions -- by 20 percent over today's comparably sized airplanes.
The engines are key contributors to the airplane's dramatic
efficiency improvements. The engines will also help the 7E7 be
significantly quieter than today's airplanes and meet new industry
requirements.
"All three engine
manufacturers (including Pratt & Whitney, which was not
selected) presented exceptional proposals," Bair said. "We reached
this major milestone well ahead of our original schedule due to the
close collaboration on requirements, capabilities and technologies.
While it was a challenging decision, the speed with which we made
it is representative of the customer interest and the overall
momentum on the 7E7 program."
For the first time in commercial jet history, both engine types
will use the same standard interface with the airplane, allowing
any 7E7 twinjet to be fitted with either engine at any point in
time. Engine interchangeability makes the 7E7 a flexible asset that
can easily be moved among carriers, an attractive feature for
financiers, leasing companies and airlines. Other 7E7 innovations
include the elimination of traditional bleed air systems in favor
of an efficient, more-electric architecture.
General Electric's new engine, called the GENX (GE Next
Generation), is derived from the ultra-high-thrust GE90 engine,
which has a proven track record on twin-engine aircraft. The GENX
technologies include composite fan blades, the highest
pressure-ratio compressor in aviation, and a unique single-annular
combustor (where compressed air and fuel are mixed) to achieve
dramatically lower emissions. The GENX will have its first
full-engine test in 2006. The engine is being designed and tested
at GE Transportation's world headquarters in Evendale (OH). Final
assembly will occur in Durham (NC).
"Our engine for the 7E7 represents the culmination of new
technologies for which GE has made considerable investments over
many years," said David Calhoun, president and CEO of GE
Transportation. "Needless to say, this is one of the biggest days
in the history of our jet engine business."
Rolls-Royce will produce a new variant of its successful,
high-thrust Trent engine series to power the 7E7, the Trent 1000.
Designed to deliver optimum performance with minimum development
risk, it will be the fifth member of the Trent family to enter
service, once again featuring the three-shaft design layout unique
to Rolls-Royce. The engine will be the most efficient and
environmentally advanced Trent ever built.
Mike Terrett, president of Civil Aerospace for Rolls-Royce,
said, "This is a special day in the long and rewarding relationship
between our companies. Now, once again, our focus is on bringing a
new generation of Trent successfully to market."
Boeing says it is receiving "strong customer support" for the
7E7 and has submitted a number of firm contract proposals to
airlines. The company expects to launch the new airplane this
year.