GE begins testing first full GE9X engine

GE Aviation is ground testing the first full GE9X development engine at its Peebles Testing Operation in Ohio. The GE9X engine will power Boeing’s new Boeing 777X aircraft.

GE general manager-GE90/GE9X engine programs Bill Millhaem said the ground testing will “generate data on the full engine system and aerodynamic performance, mechanical verification, and aero thermal system validation.”

Maturation testing of the GE9X engine began about five years ago and has progressed “from component-level all the way to the first full engine to test (FETT),” GE said. “FETT brings all the GE9X technologies together to demonstrate their operability as a complete propulsion system.” 

Compared to other engine programs, GE said the GE9X FETT “happened earlier in the development process, just a mere six months after the engine design was finalized. This timing assures all learnings from FETT will be captured in the certification engines.”

Next year the GE9X program begins certification and flight testing on GE Aviation’s flying test bed. “Engine certification is anticipated in 2018,” GE said in a statement.