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GE Approaches Completion of GE9X Dust Ingestion Tests

GE Nears Completion of GE9X Dust Ingestion Tests Amid Industry Focus on Durability
GE Aerospace is approaching the conclusion of a second phase of dust-ingestion testing for its GE9X engine, a critical step aimed at preventing the dust-related durability issues that have affected previous engine models. This testing is part of GE’s preparation for the 105,000-pound-thrust GE9X to enter service on Boeing’s long-delayed 777-9 aircraft, now anticipated to be delivered to customers next year.
Rigorous Testing to Ensure Engine Durability
The current round of dust-ingestion tests builds upon initial evaluations conducted in 2022. The GE9X is the first engine from GE to undergo such extensive dust testing prior to entering commercial service, reflecting the company’s intensified focus on durability following a series of reliability challenges within the aerospace industry. The initial phase involved 1,600 engine-run cycles and reportedly revealed no adverse effects, underscoring the engine’s robustness.
Arjan Hegeman, GE’s head of future flight engineering, emphasized the company’s commitment to durability, stating, “The 9X is one of our most-ready engines before it ever enters service. This whole understanding and appreciation of engine durability, and the impact on overall product value to our customers, is now ingrained in this whole cycle of development.”
The complexity of dust-ingestion testing is heightened by the advanced materials used in the GE9X’s turbine blades. Dust and sand ingestion, particularly prevalent in regions such as the Middle East and India, have historically compromised engine performance and longevity. Joe Vinciquerra, GE’s senior executive director of research, highlighted the company’s ability to replicate real-world dust conditions in laboratory settings, enabling engineers to study and mitigate the interactions between dust particles and the engine’s sophisticated material systems.
Industry-Wide Response and Market Confidence
In response to past durability concerns, GE has introduced improvement kits for other engine models, including the CFM Leap-1A, which powers Airbus A320neo-family aircraft. These kits feature redesigned high-pressure turbine blades and nozzles. Similar upgrades are underway for the Leap-1B engine used on Boeing’s 737 Max. Additionally, GE has implemented design modifications to its GEnx and GE90 engines, focusing on components such as shrouds, nozzles, blades, and combustor linings to enhance resilience in challenging operating environments.
Market reception to GE’s durability initiatives has been favorable. Qatar Airways recently reported a 28% increase in profit and has placed a substantial order for GE9X engines, signaling strong confidence in the engine’s reliability and performance. This positive momentum is prompting competitors to intensify their efforts in advancing engine technologies, particularly in fuel efficiency and long-term durability.
Rivals such as Pratt & Whitney have encountered similar durability challenges and are investing heavily to overcome them. Across the aerospace sector, manufacturers are dedicating significant resources to ensure their engines can endure the demanding conditions faced by airlines worldwide.
As GE moves toward the final stages of the GE9X dust-ingestion testing program, the company remains focused on delivering an engine that satisfies the durability expectations of both airlines and regulatory authorities, aiming to establish a new benchmark for reliability in the next generation of widebody aircraft.

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