GE begins GE9X certification testing

摘要

GE Aviation recently began GE9X engine certification tests at its Peebles Test Operation (PTO) in Ohio. The GE9X will power Boeing's new 777X aircraft. The first round of GE9X certification tests are being conducted on the second GE9X production-configured powerplant built by GE. To prepare for the certification program, trials of the first full engine to test (FETT) GE9X engine commenced in March 2016, generating critical data on the full engine system and aerodynamic performance, mechanical verification, and aero thermal system validation. Testing of the FETT engine concluded earlier this year with a series of preliminary natural-icing tests at PTO, where the GE9X ran more than 50 test points, accumulating 168 hours and 162 cycles. "Completing a full year's worth of validation efforts on the FETT engine gave us great confidence heading into the certification program with the second GE9X engine," said Ted Ingling, GE9X general manager at GE Aviation. "By incorporating all the learnings from the FETT engine, we start the GE9X certification program with a stable configuration and position ourselves to meet the schedule and performance expectations of our customers from Day 1 of service entry."