Aviation
Top 15 things about World Largest Engine GE 9x for Boeing 777x
Top 15 things about World Largest Engine GE 9x for Boeing 777x
1.Crafting the GEnx jet engine is something of a puzzle—around 75,000 parts must come together just right to build the final product.
2. GE 9x Developed primarily for the new Boeing 777X, this behemoth is wider than the fuselage of a 737 jet and can generate more than 100,000 pounds of thrust
3. This giant orb controls the wind intake during simulations of engine distress. Called the turbulence control structure (TCS), it’s 30,000 pounds of aluminum and stainless steel.
- Each of GE jet engines undergoes approximately 150 hours of simulated testing.
5. GE 9x undergone rigorous testing to simulate real world conditions, from frightening sand storms to ice slabs as thick as cutting boards.
6. The GE90 is the most powerful jet engine in the world, with the quietest rumble of any engine in its thrust class. Acoustic panels installed in the engine’s fan case, pictured here, help reduce its noise signature.
7. One of the ways we test whether a jet engine is sturdy enough for flight is by putting it through rigorous testing to simulate real world conditions, from frightening sand storms to ice slabs as thick as cutting boards. Here’s a look at the GEnx engine installed for testing at GE facility in Winnipeg.
8. A look inside our jetengine testing facility in Peebles, Ohio, where the walls of each of our testing cells are at least 20 feet thick. Built from special high-density concrete, made by vibrating the wet concrete down to squeeze out air and get rid of any weak spots, these testing cells are strong enough to simulate extreme conditions for GE jet engine.
9. The General Electric GE9Xis a high-bypass turbofan aircraft engine under development by GE Aviation for the Boeing 777X. Derived from the GE90
10. The first engine to test (FETT) completed its first test run in April 2016. With 375 cycles and 335 test hours.
11. GE 9x has the largest front fan at 134 inches in diameter with a composite fan case and 16 fourth generation carbon fiber composite fan blades
12. The GE9X went through icing tests in winter 2017. The FETT was finally used for 50 cold weathertest points such as ground fog or natural icing conditions,
13. The initial 777X flight-test engines will be shipped later in 2018 for an initial 777-9 flight in early 2019.
14. In 1995, the GE90 engine debuted aboard a British Airways 777 airplane along with commercial aviation’s first-ever carbon-fiber composite fan blades. Early GE90 engine models boasted outputs between 74,000 and 94,000 lbs. of thrust, and today it remains the world’s largest turbofan engine.
15. With the GE90, GE introduced the composite fan blade—the first-ever in commercial aviation. Measuring more than four feet long and weighing less than 50 pounds, the GE90 fan blade is made from carbon fiber and a toughened epoxy matrix that delivers double the strength and one-third the weight of titanium.
Source: GE Press releases & Boeing
Image courtesy: GE
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Aviation
Air India’s B747 Makes Its Final Journey, Waving Farewell to Fans
In a poignant moment marking the end of an era in aviation history, Air India’s iconic Boeing 747 aircraft, affectionately known as the ‘Queen of the Skies,’ embarked on its ultimate journey from Mumbai’s international airport.
The departure, bound for Plainfield, USA, where it will undergo dismantling and part-stripping under the ownership of American AerSale, signals the closure of a storied chapter for the airline.
Once revered for transporting dignitaries ranging from prime ministers to presidents, the Boeing 747 has etched itself into aviation lore. Yet, as airlines worldwide pivot towards more contemporary and cost-effective aircraft, Air India’s decision to bid farewell to its remaining Boeing 747s reflects the pragmatic realities of today’s aviation landscape.
The sale of these majestic planes to AerSale represents a strategic move by Tata Group, Air India’s new custodian, towards optimizing operational efficiency and embracing modern industry standards. Out of the four aircraft sold, two will be repurposed into freighters, while the remaining pair will be meticulously disassembled to salvage valuable components.
The final flight from Mumbai witnessed a touching tribute as pilots performed a traditional ‘Wing Wave,’ symbolizing the conclusion of the Boeing 747‘s distinguished service with Air India. This poignant gesture encapsulates the deep sentiment attached to the aircraft’s departure and its significant contribution to the airline’s legacy.
As the Boeing 747 embarks on its journey to Plainfield, USA, nostalgia permeates the air, evoking memories of its maiden flight on March 22, 1971. Over five decades, Air India operated a total of 25 Boeing 747s, each leaving an indelible mark on the annals of aviation history.
Middle East
British Airways Resumes Daily Flights to Abu Dhabi, After 4-Year hiatus
British Airways made its way back to Abu Dhabi, landing at Zayed International Airport. Following a four-year break in service, both crew and passengers were greeted with enthusiasm.
In the summer of 2024, British Airways plans to launch a daily route, utilising a Boeing 787-9, from London Heathrow to Abu Dhabi. The new route enhances ties between the UAE and the UK and expands vast worldwide network, catering to passengers who may be visiting friends and family or travelling for business.
Arriving in Abu Dhabi at 08.30+1, flight BA073 to Abu Dhabi leaves London Heathrow at 22.25. Departing at 10.10 and landing at London Heathrow at 15.20 is the inbound flight (BA072).
The chief executive officer and managing director of Abu Dhabi Airports, Elena Sorlini, stated: “We are delighted to welcome British Airways to Zayed International Airport. Their daily schedule is expected to improve connectivity and stimulate travel and business.” Visitors may experience the dynamic capital of the United Arab Emirates like never before at our brand-new, award-winning, state-of-the-art terminal, where they will be welcomed with the best kind of Emirati hospitality.”
Flight schedule:
London Heathrow (LHR) to Zayed International (AUH)All times are local | ||||||
Season | Flight number | Departing LHR | Arriving AUH | Flight number | Departing AUH | Arriving LHR |
Summer ‘24 | BA73 | 22:25 | 08:30+1 | BA72 | 10:10 | 15:20 |
Winter ‘24 | BA73 | 22:25 | 09:30+1 | BA72 | 11:10 | 15:20 |
Aviation
FAA investigation: Passenger seated in Captain’s seat inside cockpit at cruising altitude
A viral video capturing a startling moment aboard a United Airlines charter flight from Denver to Toronto has triggered a federal investigation.
The footage, initially shared on social media by Hensley Meulens, the hitting coach for the Colorado Rockies baseball team, depicts a member of the coaching staff seated in one of the pilot seats while the aircraft was in mid-flight.
In his caption, Meulens expressed gratitude to the captain and first officer for allowing him this unusual experience. The video, filmed by another passenger, reveals the cockpit door open, and at one point, a third passenger briefly enters the flight deck. Alarmingly, during this time, the captain was absent from the cockpit.
Despite the flight being a private charter operated by United Airlines, company and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations strictly prohibit passengers from entering the cockpit during flight or leaving the flight deck unsecured.
United Airlines swiftly responded, expressing deep concern over the incident. A spokesperson emphasized that the video depicted an unauthorized person in the flight deck at cruising altitude with the autopilot engaged, constituting a clear violation of safety and operational policies.
The FAA confirmed that it is actively investigating the incident, highlighting that unauthorized access to the flight deck during flight is a violation of federal regulations. The agency assured that it is taking the matter seriously and will conduct a thorough examination to ensure compliance with aviation safety standards.