GE9X engine recognized with thrust record

The GE9X engine for the Boeing 777X set a new Guinness World Records title for thrust to become the most powerful commercial aircraft jet engine (test performance) after reaching 134,300 lb. This achievement breaks the record held by GE's GE90-11B engine of 127,900 lb set in 2002.

The new record occurred during an engineering test on Nov. 10, 2017 at GE's outdoor test facility in Peebles, Ohio. Guinness World Records acknowledged the feat at a ceremony at GE Aviation's Ohio headquarters as part of the company's 100-year celebration.

"The GE9X engine incorporates the most advanced technologies that GE Aviation has developed during the last decade and is the culmination of our commercial engine portfolio renewal," said David Joyce, president and chief executive officer of GE Aviation. "While we didn't set out to break the thrust Guinness World Records title, we are proud of the engine's performance, which is a testament to our talented employees and partners who design and build outstanding products for our customers."

More than 700 GE9X engines are on order with eight customers. The GE9X engine is in the 100,000 lb thrust class and has a 134" diameter front fan with a composite fan case and 16 fourth-generation carbon fiber composite fan blades. Other key features include: a 27:1 pressure-ratio high-pressure compressor; a third-generation low emissions TAPS III combustor; and lightweight and durable ceramic matrix composite (CMC) material in the combustor and turbine. Certification testing of the engine continues and is expected to be complete later this year.

IHI Corp., Safran Aircraft Engines, Safran Aero Boosters, and MTU Aero Engines AG are participants in the GE9X engine program.