Jet engines are a critical element in aviation, and with each new generation manufacturers seek to increase efficiency while creating lighter and stronger designs. The latest news in this field comes from General Electric, which has begun testing its new GE9X turbofan. With a front fan of 3.35 meters in diameter, the GE9X has no trouble becoming the largest jet engine on the planet.
Given that the average price of a commercial aircraft reaches nine digits, it's not hard to imagine the effort, dedication, and technological advances applied to each new design. The main goal of both manufacturers and airlines remains unchanged: improve the cost-benefit ratio. From the overall weight of the aircraft to the space between seats, including passenger count and fuel consumption, no detail can be ignored. Jet engines are part of a very elitist market, as only "the best of the best" can deliver the performance parameters everyone wants. During the development process, it's likely that one or two records will be broken, and that's what happened with the brand-new GE9X turbofan from General Electric.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/nurk_4zpx-sIn simple terms, we are looking at the world's largest jet engine. General testing began this month, but General Electric has accumulated four years of constant evaluations on its components. The front fan has a diameter of 3.35 meters, and General Electric's comparison is that its size would allow Shaquille O'Neal to stand inside it, with Kobe Bryant on his shoulders. The engine uses ceramic matrix composites that operate at a maximum temperature of 1,300 degrees Celsius. By being able to generate more heat inside, the GE9X reduces its emissions and increases its efficiency by 10 percent. Another very interesting detail to highlight is that its fuel injectors were 3D printed, a clear demonstration of the potential of additive manufacturing of parts.
Now, the question: what needs such a large engine? After all, we're talking about 100,000 pounds of thrust per unit. The answer is the Boeing 777X, a new member of the 777 family that will begin operations in 2020. General Electric has confirmed more than 700 orders for the GE9X, which is about $29 billion. Some of the names on the list are Emirates, Lufthansa, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, and Cathay Pacific. The 777X will use two GE9X engines, and if you're thinking about buying one, you'll need something like $400 million. A bargain.
