DUBAI—The GE Aviation GE9X engine developed for the Boeing 777X has completed enhanced durability testing.
The FAA-certified GE9X was injected with a stream of dust debris in tests that simulated the entire flight envelope in harsh world environments.
All components functioned as expected through 1,600 test cycles and were validated in post-borescope inspections, the company said. A full module and component tear down will be completed by the end of the year.
“We've learned a great deal over the years from our widebody engine programs about ways to prevent hot and cold section engine degradation caused by sand and dust ingestion,” GE9X program general manager Karl Sheldon said. “The GE9X engine includes new, patented technology from these learnings that is specifically designed to keep dust and sand out of the engine.”
The GE9X, which was certified in September 2020, is targeted to deliver a 20% improvement in fuel burn.
GE expects to complete extended-range, twin-engine operations (ETOPS) testing in the first half of 2022.
A 777X test aircraft is in Dubai this week, making its debut airshow appearance.
