General Electric GE90 - Definition and Overview

NASA GE90 airflow simulation

General Electric GE90 is a family of high-bypass turbofan engines built by General Electric for the Boeing 777, with thrust ranging from 74,000 to 115,000 lb_f (329 to 512 kN). It was first introduced in November 1995 on British Airways' 777s, and is only available on the 777. The engine is one of three options for the 777-200, -200ER, and -300, and the exclusive engine of the -200LR and -300ER.

The GE90 series are physically the biggest engines in aviation history. They are also the most powerful, as GE90-115B holds the world record for the highest thrust rating, 127,900 lb_f (569 kN), though is rated at 115,300 lb_f (513 kN). The diameter of the engine (3.43 m) and nacelle are larger than the fuselage of a Boeing 737 (3.4 m).

They can only be airfreighted by outsize cargo aircraft such as the Antonov An-124 'Condor', presenting unique problems if a 777 is stranded due to emergency diversions. As a consequence, it incurs high preventive maintenance costs to minimise such risks.

A fanblade from the GE90-115B has been placed on display at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, New York.

External links

• It's Great Design Too: World's Biggest Jet Engine Fan Blade at The Museum of Modern Art (http://www.geae.com/aboutgeae/presscenter/ge90/ge90_20041116.html)