Propelling commercial aircraft

GE Aircraft Engines calls upon its engineers, and those of its “competitors,” to develop a series of next-generation engines.

Full-scale development is under way for the new GEnx (GE next generation) jet engine from General Electric Aircraft Engines (GEAE), with several key technology-maturation tests under way this year, according to the company. In addition to validating key components and technologies, the GEnx development team continues to refine the engine design with the goal of launching a final design in early 2005. The engine is based on the GE90, which has been powering the Boeing 777 since 1995. This engine represents the fifth application of the GE90 baseline architecture.

Boeing earlier this year selected the GEnx as one of the engines for its new 7E7 Dreamliner aircraft. With entry into service anticipated in 2008, the 7E7 will carry 200 to 250 passengers up to 8300 nmi, and is expected to use 20% less fuel than today's aircraft of comparable size. Boeing anticipates a need for between 2000 and 3000 aircraft in the 7E7 market segment over the next 20 years.