FAA Signs Off On Second Dreamliner Powerplant

The GEnx-1B engine for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner received airworthiness engine certification this week from the US Federal Aviation Administration.

The FAR (Federal Aviation Regulation) 33 certification follows an extensive two-year ground- and flight-test program that involved eight 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."

First announced in 2004, called the GEnx is derived from the ultra-high-thrust GE90 engine. GEnx-specific 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 is one of two powerplants approved for use on the 787. As ANN reported, Rolls-Royce's Trent 1000 turbofan was certified in August 2007.

FMI: www.geae.com, www.boeing.com