The GE9X, the engine that powers the Boeing 777X, is certified by the FAA.

Aviación al Día

6 years ago

GE Aviation’s GE9X, the largest aircraft engine yet developed, has received FAA certification, marking a major step toward entry-into-service on the Boeing 777X, in 2022, reported Aviation Week.

Although certification tests were held up for several months in 2019 following the discovery of stator durability issues in the high-pressure compressor, GE cleared a redesign in time for the start of 777-9 flight tests in January. Eight GE9X engines, plus two spares, have so far been delivered to Boeing including powerplants for the fourth and final 777-9 test aircraft. That aircraft joined the certification campaign on Sept. 20.

The test engines accumulated just under 5,000 hr. and 8,000 cycles during the certification program which included flights on the company’s 747-400 flying testbed. Overall, 72 GE9X test flights, totaling more than 400 hours, were flown on the 747 which first flew with the engine in the left inboard wing position in March 2018.

The company also continues to run ground tests of engines in support of Extended Operations (ETOPS) approval and maturation as part of preparations for supporting engines in service. The final pre-certification task also included 1,000 hr. of test time for the Initial Maintenance Inspection (IMI) which establishes the maximum hours or cycles of service between maintenance intervals. The IMI also contributes to the on-going 3,000 hr. of run time for ETOPS testing.

GE Aviation President and CEO John Slattery describes the GE9X as a “game-changing product” and adds that “there is no substitute that can achieve the combination of size, power and fuel efficiency.”