General Electric GENX
The GENX (General Electric Next-generation) is an advanced turbofan under development by GE Aircraft Engines primarily for the Boeing 7E7.
The GENX and the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 were selected by Boeing following a run-off between the three big engine manufacturers. Pratt & Whitney's proposal was unsuccessful, possibly due to having been an all-new, and thus, untested design. The GENX uses some technology from the GE90 turbofan, including the composite front fan blades and a compressor stage.
For the first time in commercial aviation, both engine types will have a standard interface with the aircraft, allowing any 7E7 to be fitted with either a GE or RR engine at any point in time. Engine interchangeability makes the 7E7 a far more flexible or liquid asset, allowing airlines to change from one manufacturer's engine to the other's in light of any future engine developments or when acquiring 7E7s from other operators/lessors. The engine market for the 7E7 is estimated at $40Bn over the next 25 years.
Another first is the elimination of bleed air systems, which use high temperature/high pressure air from the engine to power aircraft systems, e.g. air-conditioning and anti-ice systems. The GENX and the Trent 1000 allow a move towards the "electric" airplane.
The GENX is expected to produce thrust of 55,000 to 70,000 lbf (245 to 311 kN) with first tests commencing in 2006 and service entry by 2008. While Boeing predicts reduced fuel consumption of up to 20% the 7E7's engines are also expected to be significantly quieter than current turbofans.
