Turbofan Mounted On 747-100 Testbed

The new GEnx-2B jet engine for Boeing's new 747-8 aircraft has begun flight-testing on GE Aviation's 747 flying test-bed.

During the five-hour first flight Monday, a single GEnx-2B engine demonstrated aircraft systems and instrumentation functionality, climbing close to 40,000 feet and establishing engine performance baseline. About 40 flights with the engine are planned for this spring and summer.

The GEnx-2B, slated for certification this year, is the engine for the new Boeing 747-8. It is being flight-tested on GE's flying test laboratory, a modernized 747-100. That aircraft was the 16th plane off the original Boeing 747 production line, and originally entered revenue service for Pan Am in 1972.

"GE is thrilled to power Boeing's new 747-8, which will bring a new level of economics to commercial travel," said Tom Brisken, general manager of the GEnx program. "It's a busy year for the GEnx-2B with an aggressive flight-test program on GE's 747 before it ultimately powers the new Boeing jet."

"We are excited to see the GEnx-2B successfully complete its first flight," said Mo Yahyavi, vice president and general manager for the 747 Program. "This is yet another step toward bringing the 747-8 to market and providing our customers with an airplane that delivers the capabilities needed to be successful in today's competitive environment."

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