World's Most Powerful Fanjet Completes Initial Test Flights
The GE90-115B completed 48 test flights, for a total of 217 flight
hours, aboard the firm's Boeing 747 flying testbed last month,
marking the completion of GE's most ambitious in-flight test program
to date.
"We obtained valuable data to support Boeing's 777 engine/aircraft
FAR 25 certification program before the first flight of the 777-300ER,"
commented Al Krejmas, GE engineering programs manager at its Mojave,
California facility. The engine was run throughout its altitude
and speed operating envelope while mounted in the Number Two position
aboard the B747.
The flight tests pave the way for a 1,600 hour flight-test program
aboard the Boeing 777 later this year. The GE90-115B will be used
aboard B777-200LR, the world's longest-range twinjet, and -300ER,
the world's heaviest twinjet.
Sixty-one 200LRs and 300ERs have been ordered by Air
France, Japan Air Lines, All Nippon Airways, EVA Air, ILFC, Pakistani
International Airlines and GECAS. GE's partners in the 115B
development program include Snecma, IHI and FiatAvio.
