What turned out to be a big week for Boeing with the formal launch of its new 777X widebody also promises to be a big week for the engine that will power it, the GE9X. Dubai Airshow visitors can get a sneak preview of the 102,000-pound thrust turbofan through a new 3-D representation of the equipment at the GE Aviation exhibit (Chalet A9).
According to the U.S. manufacturer, its extensive technical maturation process is progressing well ahead of the start of the full-blown engine development cycle, which is set to being in mid-2015. The initial program has involved full-scale rig tests with fan testing and will include the running of a full core engine and a variety of low-pressure turbine demonstration tests. “We are trying to substantiate the performance of the module, including its aerodynamic performance and the new materials we’ve used for it,” explained GE90 program manager Bill Millhaem.