General Electric has completed the general definition of the complete GEnx propulsion system for the Airbus A350. The GEnx-72A1 variant of the engine, originally kick-started into development as the GEnx-54/64 and -70B1 series for the competing Boeing 787, is due to enter service on the A350 in 2010, two years behind the Boeing twinjet. First engine test is set for late 2007 and US certification is targeted for early 2009. Airbus has specified four main ratings for the A350 between 63,000lb and 75,000lb thrust (280-335kN). However, in response to airline demand, Airbus is now believed to be studying potentially higher thrust requirements up to the 80,000lb level for the -900 stretch.
Assembly of the first GEnx engine for the 787 is scheduled to start in October. Tests on GE’s Boeing 747 flying testbed are set for the third quarter of 2006, with first flight on the 787 expected about a year later.
Up to 10 test engines have been assigned to the certification programme. Seven are for the initial bleedless Boeing application covering three variants – the GEnx-54B for the 787-3, the -64B for the 787-8 and the -70B for the 787-9. Three are for the bleed-enabled -72A1 version for the A350-800/900.
Preparations for a further round of rig tests of the twin annular pre-swirl combustor, a key technology for meeting the stiff environmental goals of the GEnx, are meanwhile being planned for the third quarter following the success of an initial test phase completed in May. The TAPS works by introducing almost all the combustion air and all of the fuel through a “swirler” nozzle in the dome of the combustor.
GUY NORRIS/LOS ANGELES
Source: Flight International
