Engine Will Feature Over 66,000-Lbs Of Thrust

Aero-News has learned that General Electric has finalized the architectural design for the GEnx engine that will power Boeing's recently launched 747-8 Intercontinental and freighter aircraft.

The completion of this milestone, referred to as "Tollgate 6" in GE's New Product Introduction nomenclature, begins the detailed design phase of the engine, which is the sole powerplant for the new Boeing 747-8 aircraft.

Cargolux and Nippon Cargo Airlines (NCA) ordered up to 34 747-8 freighters. Cargolux ordered 10 firm, 10 option freighters and NCA ordered eight firm, six option freighters. Deliveries will begin in 2009.

"The GEnx engine for the 747-8 aircraft will contain the same technology advancements -- such as the composite fan case and fan blades and the TAPS (twin-annular, pre-swirler) combustor system -- that are in the GEnx engine for Boeing's 787 aircraft," said Tom Brisken, general manager of the GEnx program. "We are just re-sizing the engine and its components to meet the airframe and thrust requirements of the 747-8 aircraft."

For example, on the 747-8 the GEnx front fan will be 105" in diameter, compared to 111" for the 787 aircraft engine. The engine will be rated at 66,500 pounds of thrust for use on the 747-8. Certification testing will begin next year with flight-testing aboard the new 747-8 scheduled for late 2008.

"Boeing is pleased by the successful completion of this milestone in the development of the GEnx for the 747-8," said Jeff Peace, vice president - program manager, 747-8 Program, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We are excited about this step by the GE/Boeing partnership in providing new technologies for the 747 that add value for our airline customers."

The front fan for the GEnx engine on the 747-8 aircraft will be 105" in diameter compared to 111" for the 787 aircraft. The engine will be rated at 66,500 pounds of thrust for this application.

GE representatives tell ANN that certification testing will begin next year, with flight-testing aboard the new 747-8 scheduled for late 2008.

Featuring a front fan case and fan blades made of composites, the GEnx is based on the GE90 architecture. It will succeed GE's CF6 engine family of engines on wide-body aircraft, and is designed to provides significantly better specific fuel consumption and payload performance than the CF6.

FMI: www.geae.com