The GEnx engine successfully completed its fan blade containment test this week at GE's Peebles, Ohio, outdoor test facility. The GEnx is the world's only jet engine with both a front fan case and fan blades made from composites.

"We are very pleased with the test, which validates the maturity of the technology we have developed for the program," said Tom Brisken, general manager of the GEnx program. "The completion of this key milestone brings us closer to engine certification, which is scheduled for later this year."

The fan blade containment test follows several fan blade containment rig tests on subscale and full-scale fan case models. These earlier tests enabled GE to optimize the design of the fan case and further reduce its weight. The composite fan case and fan blades provide greater engine durability, weight reduction and lower operating costs.

Last month, the GEnx completed its flight test program on GE's 747 flying test-bed, which validated the GEnx-1B engine's performance in real world flight conditions. Certification tests for vibration, emission and bird ingestions were also recently completed with very positive results.

After the development tests are complete, the GEnx will continue testing as part of an extensive maturation program. The maturation program enables GE to identify repair development needs before the first GEnx engine arrives for its initial shop visit.

Based on the highly successful GE90 architecture, the GEnx engine is one of the most fuel-efficient and lowest emissions jet engines ever. The GEnx engine will power both the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the 747-8 Intercontinental. It will succeed GE's CF6 family, the best-selling engine on wide-body aircraft. About 870 GEnx engines have been sold to 31 customers, making it the fastest-selling large engine in GE Aviation history.

IHI of Japan, TechSpace Aero of Belgium, Avio SpA. of Italy, Volvo Aero of Sweden and Samsung Techwin of Korea are revenue-sharing participants in the GEnx program.

The GEnx is part of GE's "ecomagination" product portfolio--GE's commitment to develop new, cost-effective technologies that enhance customers' environmental and operating performance. The GEnx's composite and combustion technologies are unique to the commercial aviation industry.