Nexcelle delivers nacelle hardware and advances the certification testing for GE’s Passport integrated propulsion system

Nexcelle is delivering on its integrated propulsion systems (IPS) vision for business aviation, having provided the nacelle for flight tests of GE Aviation’s Passport turbofan engine; completing initial ground tests to support this new 16,000-lb.-thrust category powerplant’s certification; and ramping up the manufacture of nacelle components at facilities in both France and the U.S. Nexcelle is the joint venture of GE Aviation’s Middle River Aircraft Systems and Aircelle (Safran), with responsibility for the complete nacelle on Passport’s integrated propulsion system. Passport program milestones achieved by Nexcelle to date include its delivery of the complete nacelle for GE’s no. 1 flight test engine, which is now at Victorville, California for installation on a 747 testbed aircraft; along with the performance of inlet icing evaluations conducted at GE’s Manitoba outdoor cold-weather rig. A thrust reverser, built for durability tests involving 225 deployment cycles, is being readied for delivery, as is a nacelle to be utilized in fan-blade-out testing – both of which will be performed at ground-based installations.