Names Partners For Engine Manufacturing

GE Aviation has finalized agreements with IHI Corporation, Safran Aircraft Engines and Safran Aero Boosters as participants in the GE9X engine program. GE9X engine program participants play a significant role, producing a combined total of about 25 percent share of the components for the GE9X engine that will power the Boeing 777X aircraft.

"GE Aviation has a long history with the GE9X engine program participants who have been participants or suppliers on our successful portfolio of commercial engines," said Bill Fitzgerald, vice president and general manager of GE Aviation's Commercial Engine Operation. "These participants contributed to the successful start of the GE9X first engine to test two days ahead of schedule and the combined technologies of GE and our participants have performed extremely well, and we look forward to working together to deliver the largest, most fuel efficient wide body engine to our customers."
 
With headquarters in Japan, IHI is responsible for the design and manufacturing of various components in the low-pressure turbine and the fan mid-shaft. IHI is a participant on the CF34, GE90, GEnx and Passport engine programs and has been producing GE military engines under license for more than 60 years.

Based in France, Safran Aircraft Engines is responsible for the design and manufacturing of the 3D-woven composite forward fan case, the turbine rear frame and participate with GE on the composite fan blades through CFAN, its 50/50 joint venture company.

Headquartered in Belgium, Safran Aero Boosters is responsible for the design and manufacturing of the low pressure compressor as well as the manufacturing of the fan disk.

MTU Aero Engines AG is another GE9X engine program participant and is responsible for the design and manufacturing of the turbine center frame.
 
Testing on the first full GE9X development engine continues at GE Aviation and concludes a five-year maturation testing of GE9X technologies. Next year will be a busy year for the GE9X program with the start of certification testing and flight testing on GE Aviation's flying test bed. Engine certification is anticipated in 2018.

(Source: GE Aviation news release. Images from file)

FMI: www.ge.com/aviation