MTU Aero Engines completes first turbine center frame for GE9X

MTU Aero Engines in Munich has completed the first development turbine center frame (TCF for short) to go into the GE9X engine. “In this engine program, we are not only responsible for the manufacture of the TCF, but also assumed responsibility for its development right from the outset,” explained Dr. Jörg Henne, Senior Vice President Engineering and Technology, on the occasion of the last bolt ceremony held in Munich in late January. “On another positive note, to make the deadline, we have completed the first GE9X TCF within record time,” according to Theodor Pregler, Senior Vice President Commercial Programs at MTU in Munich. The new GE engine has been selected to be the exclusive propulsion system for the Boeing 777X. Delivering more than 100,000 pounds of thrust, the GE9X will be the most fuel-efficient engine ever produced by GE Aviation on a per-pounds-of-thrust basis. The first run of the engine is slated for this spring, and entry into service is expected for 2020.