GE Aviation has reached agreement with IHI of Japan and Techspace Aero (Safran) of Belgium to become partners of a joint venture on GE's new PassportTM engine for business aviation.

IHI and Techspace Aero will be responsible for more than 37 percent of the Passport engine, which will power the Bombardier Global 7000 and Global 8000 aircraft. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, IHI will be responsible for the low-pressure turbine module, aerodrive systems, fan hub frame and aft fan case. Techspace Aero, located in Liège, Belgium, will be responsible for the booster module, lube tank and pump and the heat exchangers.

“GE, IHI and Techspace Aero have been working together on engine development programs for decades, and we are delighted to continue our relationship to the new Passport engine program,” said Brad Mottier, vice president and general manager of the Business & General Aviation organization at GE Aviation. “Certification testing on the Passport engine continues after our successful first engine to test on June 24, and the entire joint venture team is thrilled with the engine's performance.”

The engine certification program will include eight engines and one core. Flight testing on GE's flying testbed is scheduled for next year. Engine certification is expected in 2015.

GE's Passport engine will produce 16,500 pounds of thrust and will incorporate advanced technologies and materials to provide: 8% lower specific fuel consumption than engines in its class; margin to CAEP/6 emissions and to Stage 4 noise regulations; and world-class reliability and support.

Among the new engine technologies are a composite fan case to reduce weight; a unique 52-inch front fan blisk for lower cabin noise and vibration, technologies from GE's eCore suite to lower emissions and improve fuel efficiency, and a unique super finish on the high pressure compressor blades and blisks for enhanced fuel efficiency.

The Passport's nacelle and thrust reverser from Nexcelle, a joint venture between GE and Safran, will feature a slim-line nacelle with outward opening cowl to reduce weight and drag while allowing for easy maintenance access and high dispatch availability.