Motor will equip the new generation of aircraft, Boeing 777X.
GE Aviation completed the assembly of the first engine tests for the Boeing 777X project, the GE9X will undergo an extensive testing phase in GE's facility in Peebles, Ohio, where he will be put to the test all kind of possible situation.
"The engine is mounted, it's just a matter of adding lots of instrumentation for testing," said GE9X program manager, Bill Millhaem. The tests will begin "soon," he says, although there is no definite date by GE.
According to GE will be performed an additional test for the engine program, the sand ingestion test suitable for Middle East customers. Out the various cycles of use in the CMC components, which are already being tested in an adapted GEnx engine. GE will use an 747-400 to adapt the new engine in the test flight phase during 2017 and 2018, is expected to GE9X certification.
The new GE engine incorporated in ceramic matrix materials (CMC) in the inner and outer linings of the combustion system. CMC is significantly lighter, stronger and more heat resistant than the metal components they replace, furthermore there is a reduction in weight and allowing the engine to operate more efficiently and hot shaped. GE expects innovations in engine air flow, weight reduction and use of composite materials that provide GE9X is 10% cheaper compared to today GE90.
