Friday the Guinness Book of World Records declared GE Aviation's GE9X engine the world's most powerful jet engine. Complete with 134,000 lbs. of thrust and the most advanced technology and materials, it beat out the GE90, which previously held the record, as reported in this WVXU story.
The GE9X is the exclusive engine for the Boeing 777x, which is expected to take its first flight later this year.
GE Aviation says the GE9X is the most fuel-efficient jet engine it has ever produced, operating at 10% lower fuel consumption than the GE90. It features 3D printed parts, advanced aerodynamics, composite fan blades and ceramic matrix composites, which are lighter and more heat resistant than metal parts previously used. WVXU highlighted the latest technologies when it toured the Evendale plant.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6frvqHwQfI
General Manager of the GE9x Ted Ingling says you'll notice how enormous the front of the engine looks. In fact, at 134 inches in diameter, it's almost big enough that the fuselage of a 737 airplane can fit inside of it. That's three seats, an aisle and three seats across.
When testing the 777, which the GE9X powers, the pilot told Ingling the engine was so quiet he had to make sure it was on. "He mentioned that they had to go back and look at the engine to make sure they were actually seeing the engine running while they were doing it."
Ingling sees greater use of composites and additives in the future including ceramic turbine blades. This would make the engine weigh less. "So if I'm Boeing and I'm looking for the lightest-weight engine so that I can turn that weight into passengers - it's range, it's fuel, it's passengers."
The technology for the GE9X translates into a projected savings of 750,000 gallons of fuel a year, a reduction in emissions three times its predecessor and quieter by 9 decibels.
GE Aviation was also celebrating the company's 100th anniversary Friday at its headquarters in Evendale. In 1919 at McCook Field in Dayton, Ohio, Major Rudolph "Shorty" Schroeder had his maiden flight. He flew a biplane equipped with a GE supercharger.
