GE Aerospace
 | |
 Headquarters complex inEvendale, Ohio | |
| GE Aerospace | |
| Formerly |
|
| Company type | Public |
| Industry | Aerospace |
| Predecessor | General Electric |
| Founded | 1917[1] |
| Headquarters | , U.S.[2] |
Key people | H. Lawrence Culp Jr.(president&CEO) |
| Revenue |  US$31.8 billion(2024)[3] |
| US$6.2 billion(2024)[3] | |
Number of employees | 52,000 (2024)[4] |
| Subsidiaries | |
| Website | geaerospace |
General Electric Company,doing business asGE Aerospace,[5]is an Americanaircraft enginesupplier that is headquartered inEvendale, Ohio,outsideCincinnati.It is the legal successor to the originalGeneral ElectricCompany founded in 1892, which split into three separate companies between November 2021 and April 2024, adopting the trade name GE Aerospace after divesting itshealthcareandenergydivisions.[6][7]
GE Aerospace both manufactures engines under its name and partners with other manufacturers to produce engines.CFM International,the world's leading supplier of aircraft engines and GE's most successful partnership, is a 50/50 joint venture with the French companySafran Aircraft Engines.As of 2020, CFM International holds 39% of the world's commercial aircraft engine market share (while GE Aerospace itself holds a further 14%).[8]GE Aerospace's main competitors in the engine market arePratt & WhitneyandRolls-Royce.
The division operated under the name ofGeneral Electric Aircraft Engines(GEAE) until September 2005, and asGE Aviationuntil July 2022. In July 2022, GE Aviation changed its name to GE Aerospace[9]in a move executives say reflects the engine maker's intention to broaden its focus beyond aircraft engines. In April 2024, GE Aerospace became the only business line of the former General Electric conglomerate, after it had completed the divestiture ofGE HealthCareandGE Vernova(its energy businesses division).[10]
History
[edit]Early efforts
[edit]General Electric had a long history in steam turbine work, dating back to the 1900s. In 1903 they hiredSanford Alexander Moss,who started the development ofturbosuperchargersat GE. This led to a series of record-breaking flights over the next ten years. At first, the role of the high-altitude flight was limited, but in the years immediately prior to WWII they became standard equipment on practically all military aircraft. GE was a world leader in this technology; most other firms concentrated on the mechanically simpler supercharger driven by the engine itself, while GE had spent considerable effort developing the exhaust-driven turbo system that offered higher performance.
This work made them the natural industrial partner to developjet engineswhenFrank Whittle'sW.1engine was demonstrated toHap Arnoldin 1941.[11]A production license was arranged in September, and several of the existing W.1 test engines shipped to the US for study, where they were converted to US manufacture as theI-A.GE quickly started production of improved versions; the I-16 (J31) was produced in limited numbers starting in 1942, and the much more powerful I-40 (J33) followed in 1944, which went on to power the first US combat-capable jet fighters, theP-80 Shooting Star.
Early jet engine work took place at GE's Syracuse, New York, (steam turbine) andLynn, Massachusetts,(supercharger) plants, but soon concentrated at the Lynn plants.[12]On 31 July 1945 the Lynn plant became the "Aircraft Gas Turbine Division". GE was repeatedly unable to deliver enough engines for Army and Navy demand, and production of the I-40 (now known as theJ33) was also handed toAllison Enginesin 1944. After the war ended, the Army canceled its orders for GE-built J33s and turned the entire production over to Allison,[13]and the Syracuse plant closed.
Military and civilian expansion
[edit]
These changes in fortune led to debate within the company about carrying on in the aircraft engine market. However, the engineers at Lynn pressed ahead with the development of a new engine, the TG-180, which was designatedJ35by the US military.[14]
Development funds were allotted in 1946 for a more powerful version of the same design, the TG-190. This engine finally emerged as the famedGeneral Electric J47,which saw a great demand for several military aircraft; a second manufacturing facility inEvendale, Ohio,nearCincinnati,was opened. J47 production ran to 30,000 engines by the time the lines closed down in 1956. Further development of the J47 by led to theJ73,and from there into the much more powerfulJ79.The J79 was GE's second "hit", leading to a production run of 17,000 in several different countries. The GE andLockheedteam that developed the J79 and theF-104Mach 2 fighter aircraft received the 1958Collier Trophyfor outstanding technical achievement in aviation. Other successes followed, including theT58andT64turboshaftengines, theJ85turbojet, andF404turbofan.
Starting in 1961, General Electric started one of their most important research and development efforts, the GE1 technology demonstrator (originally designated the X101). The GE1 was a basic gas generator (compressor, combustor and turbine) onto which a variety of components such as fans, afterburners or other thrust vectoring devices could be added later. The design incorporated technologies such as a scaled compressor with variable stator vanes, an annual combustor, turbine-cooling advancements, and new materials for several government research programs. The US Government initially supported development of the GE1 to produce theJ97engine. The GE1 design and technology helped General Electric produce a range of engines, including the GE1/6 turbofan demonstrator for theTF39engine theGE4for theBoeing 2707supersonic airliner, and the GE9 engine for the USAF's Advanced Manned Strategic Aircraft, laterGE F101engines for theB-1bomber.:[15][16]TheGeneral Electric F101was later developed into theGeneral Electric F110andCFM International CFM56engines.
TheTF39was the firsthigh-bypass turbofan engineto enter production.[17]Entered into theC-5 Galaxycontest in 1964 against similar designs fromCurtiss-WrightandPratt & Whitney,GE's entry was selected as the winner during the final down-select in 1965. This led to a civilian model, theCF6,[18]which was offered for theLockheed L-1011andMcDonnell Douglas DC-10projects. Although Lockheed later changed their engine to theRolls-Royce RB211,the DC-10 continued with the CF6, and this success led to widespread sales on many large aircraft including theBoeing 747.
Another military-to-civilian success followed when GE was selected to supply engines for theS-3 VikingandFairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II,developing a small high-bypass engine using technologies from the TF39. The resultingTF34was adapted to become theCF34,whose wide variety of models powers many of theregional jetsflying today.[19]
In the early 1970s, GE was also selected to develop a modernturboshaftengine for helicopter use, theT700.It has been further developed as theCT7turboprop engine for regional transports.
Commercial aviation powerplants
[edit]In 1974 GE entered into an agreement withSnecmaof France, formingCFM Internationalto jointly produce a new mid-sized turbofan, which emerged as theCFM56.A 50/50 joint partnership was formed[20]with a new plant inEvendale, OHto produce the design. At first, sales were very difficult to come by, and the project was due to be canceled. Only two weeks before this was to happen, in March 1979, several companies selected the CFM56 to re-engine their existingDouglas DC-8fleets.[21]By July 2010, CFM International had delivered their 21,000th engine of the CFM56 family, with an ongoing production rate of 1250 per year, against a four-year production backlog.[22]
The success of the CFM led GE to join in several similar partnerships, includingGarrett AiResearchfor theCFE CFE738,Pratt & Whitneyon theEngine Alliance GP7000,and, more recently,Hondafor theGE Honda Aero Enginessmall turbofan project. GE also continued the development of its own lines, introducing new civilian models like theGE90,and military designs like theGeneral Electric F110.
GE Aerospace today
[edit]
GE and competitor Rolls-Royce were selected byBoeingto power its new787.GE Aviation's offering is theGEnx,a development of the GE90. The engine was also the exclusive power plant on theBoeing 747-8.
The Lynn facility continues to assemble jet engines for theUnited StatesDepartment of Defense,subsidiary services, and commercial operators. Engines assembled at this plant include theF404,F414,T700,andCFE738.The plant at Lynn also produces the -3 and -8 variants of theCF34regional jet engine, the CT7 commercial turboprop power plant, and commercial versions of the T700 turboshaft which are also called the CT7.
The Evendale plant conducts final assembly for theCFM International'sCFM56,CF6,as well asLM6000,andLM2500power plants.
TheDurham, North Carolina,facility conducts final assembly for theCFM LEAP,GEnx, CFM56,GE90,GP7200, andCF34power plants.
Crucial parts for these engines are crafted in secondary GE Aviation facilities, such as those inBromont, Quebec;Hooksett, New Hampshire;Wilmington, North Carolina;Asheville, North Carolina;Madisonville, Kentucky;Rutland, Vermont;andMuskegon, Michigan;where the engine blades and vanes are manufactured.
Smiths GroupandGeneral Electricannounced on January 15, 2007, that the former was divestingSmiths Aerospaceto the latter for£2.4 billion (US$4.8 billion).[23]GE Aviation closed the transaction on May 4, 2007.[24]Smiths Aerospace, which was an important supplier, became an operating subsidiary of GE Aviation known asGE Aviation Systems.This acquisition will reportedly give the combined unit the clout to resist pricing pressures from its two largest customers,BoeingandAirbus.[23]Analysts further assert that it enables General Electric to acquire assets similar to those it desired in its failed bid forHoneywellin 2000.[23]
Along with the purchase of Smiths Aerospace, the purchase included opening the firstUniversity Development CenteratMichigan Technological UniversityinHoughton, Michigan,in the effort to work with engineering students to provide training in engineering and software development. The program has performed well and GE Aviation has announced further UDC openings atKansas State University. In July 2008, governments in thePersian Gulfreached agreements with GE to expand engine maintenance operations there. TheWall Street Journalreported thatMubadala Development Company,which owns Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies, an overhaul, and maintenance company, signed an agreement worth an estimated $8 billion with GE; Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies will maintain and overhaul GE engines used in commercial aircraft purchased by airlines based in the Persian Gulf.[25]
On December 23, 2012, GE announced that it has agreed to purchase the aeronautical division ofAvio,an Italy-based manufacturer of aviation propulsion components and systems for civil and military aircraft, for $4.3 billion U.S. (EUR3.3 billion).[26]
GE Aviation follows through to develop asupersonicengine concept forAerionwith a configuration accommodating reasonably well requirements for supersonic speed, subsonic speed and noise levels.[27]
On July 18, 2022, GE announced that GE Aviation had been renamed "GE Aerospace",[9]and would become the successor to the GE company once the spinoffs of its subsidiaries are completed. GE Aerospace will own the GE trademark and logo, and will license the brand to the other companies,GE HealthCareandGE Vernova.[28]
Additive manufacturing
[edit]Recently, they have started incorporating 3D printing technologies in their engines and have incorporated the manufacturing process in the newly designedGE9X,the largest jet engine in the world.[29]
GE acquiredArcamEBM forelectron beam melting,Concept Laser forlaser melting,and material provider AP&C. Metal castingimproves through competition with metaladditive manufacturing,for which GE Additive believes it will soon compete with metalforgingwhich will then be enhanced in response. Additive manufacturing is focused on new builds but can be used for part replacement: when complexity rise, costs can stays level – for example, replacing a turbine consisting of 300 components with one piece. The electron beam melting has good speed for economy,precisionto reduce processing work, and size capability for larger parts; the hot process reducesstressesin the part and penetrates deeper than laser for thicker parts with coarser, cheapermetal powders. Additive techniques can be used across the engine and even in the over 1,500 °F (820 °C) hot section. They are used in theCT7combustorliner, forGE9Xlow pressureturbine blades– the first rotating parts – and for 16 parts in theATP,including an 80 partsheat exchangerconsolidated into one.[30]
Products
[edit]Turbojets
[edit]
| Model name | Thrust |
|---|---|
| General Electric I-A | 1,250 lbf (5.6 kN) |
| General Electric J31 | 1,650 lbf (7.3 kN) |
| General Electric J33 | 4,600 lbf (20 kN) |
| General Electric J35 | 5,600 lbf (25 kN) |
| General Electric J47 | 5,970 lbf (26.6 kN) |
| General Electric J79 | 11,870 lbf (52.8 kN) |
| General Electric CJ805 | 11,650 lbf (51.8 kN) |
| General Electric J85 | 2,400–5,000 lbf (11–22 kN) |
| General Electric CJ610 | 3,100 lbf (14 kN) |
Turbofans
[edit]
| Model name | Thrust |
|---|---|
| General Electric CJ805-23 | 11,650 lbf (51.8 kN) |
| General Electric CF700 | 4,200 lbf (19 kN) |
| General Electric TF39 | 43,300 lbf (193 kN) |
| General Electric CF6 | 41,500 lbf (185 kN) |
| General Electric F101 | 17,390 lbf (77.4 kN) |
| General Electric TF34 | 9,275 lbf (41.26 kN) |
| General Electric CF34 | 9,220 lbf (41.0 kN) |
| General Electric F404 | 11,000 lbf (49 kN) |
| CFM International CFM56 | 24,000–21,580 lbf (106.8–96.0 kN) |
| General Electric F110 | 17,155 lbf (76.31 kN) |
| General Electric F118 | 19,000 lbf (85 kN) |
| General Electric YF120 | 23,500 lbf (105 kN) |
| CFE CFE738 | 5,900 lbf (26 kN) |
| General Electric GE90 | 81,000–115,000 lbf (360–510 kN) |
| General Electric F414 | 13,000 lbf (58 kN) |
| GE Honda HF120 | 2,050 lbf (9.1 kN) |
| General Electric/Rolls-Royce F136 | 25,000 lbf (110 kN) |
| Engine Alliance GP7200 | 81,500 lbf (363 kN) |
| General Electric GEnx | 69,800 lbf (310 kN) |
| CFM International LEAP | 32,160 lbf (143.1 kN) |
| General Electric Passport | 17,745–18,920 lbf (78.93–84.16 kN) |
| General Electric GE9X | 110,000 lbf (490 kN) |
| General Electric Affinity | 16,000–20,000 lbf (71–89 kN) |
Turboprops
[edit]
| Model name | Power |
|---|---|
| General Electric T31 | 2,300 hp (1,700 kW) |
| General Electric T700 | 1,735 hp (1,294 kW) |
| General Electric H80 | 800 hp (600 kW) |
| General Electric Catalyst | 1,300 hp (970 kW) |
Propfans
[edit]| Model name | Thrust |
|---|---|
| General Electric GE36 | 25,000 lbf (110 kN) |
Turboshafts
[edit]
| Model name | Power |
|---|---|
| General Electric T58 | 1,250 hp (930 kW) |
| General Electric T64 | 4,330 hp (3,230 kW) |
| General Electric T700 | 1,622 hp (1,210 kW) |
| General Electric GE38 | 7,500 hp (5,600 kW) |
Industrial and marine turbines
[edit]
| Model name | Power |
|---|---|
| General Electric LM500 | 4.5 MW (6,000 hp) |
| General Electric LM1500 | 7.4 MW (9,900 hp) |
| General Electric LM1600 | 15 MW (20,000 hp) |
| General Electric LM2500 | 25–35 MW (34,000–47,000 hp) |
| General Electric LM5000 | 35 MW (47,000 hp) |
| General Electric LM6000 | 41–52 MW (55,000–70,000 hp) |
| General Electric LM9000 | 65 MW (87,000 hp) |
| General Electric LMS100 | 100 MW (130,000 hp) |
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- Notes
- ^"GE Aviation: HistoryArchived2013-10-04 at theWayback Machine."GE Aviation website.
- ^"GE Aviation: FacilitiesArchived2011-10-19 at theWayback Machine."GE Aviation website.
- ^ab"2018 Annual Report"(PDF).Annualreports.com.Archived fromthe original(PDF)on 2019-04-14.Retrieved2021-01-12.
- ^"GE Aerospace to hire more than 900 engineers this year".GE Aerospace.Retrieved8 August2024.
- ^Root, Al (April 2, 2024)."Today, General Electric Will Be No More—Sort of".Barron's.News Corp.Archivedfrom the original on April 2, 2024.
- ^Chesto, Jon (April 1, 2024)."GE's long life as giant industrial conglomerate enters new era, as company splits up on Tuesday".The Boston Globe.Archivedfrom the original on April 1, 2024.
- ^Mazein, Elodie (April 1, 2024)."Swan song for General Electric as it completes demerger".AFP.Archivedfrom the original on April 2, 2024 – via Yahoo! News.
The official finalization of the separation comes Tuesday, with General Electric disappearing in favor of GE Vernova, dealing with energy activities, and GE Aerospace, the new name of the late GE.
- ^"Market share of the leading commercial aircraft engine manufacturers worldwide in 2020".Statista.May 2021.Retrieved22 November2023.
- ^abAlcock, Charles (July 19, 2022)."New GE Aerospace Unit Laser-focused on Airline Recovery".AIN Online.AIN Media Group, Inc.RetrievedMay 22,2023.
- ^Scott, Sean."GE Aviation, one of Greater Cincinnati's largest employers, to get new name".The Enquirer.Retrieved2024-01-11.
- ^Leyes, p. 237
- ^Leyes, p. 238
- ^"History of Allison Gas Turbine Division".FundingUniverse.
- ^Bill Gunston (2006).The Development of Jet and Turbine Engines(4th ed.). Patrick Stephens. p. 143.ISBN0-7509-4477-3.
- ^Eight Decades of Progress: A Heritage of Aircraft Turbine Technology.GE Aircraft Engines. 1990. p. 148.LCCN90082948.
- ^Kennedy, Rick (2019-05-22)."GE1" Building Block "Engine: Greatest GE Jet Engine Ever?".The GE Aviation Blog | Aerospace & Flight News.Retrieved2022-05-06.
- ^"The CF6 Engine Family"Archived2011-09-04 at theWayback Machine
- ^Neumann 2004,pp. 229–230
- ^"The CF34 Engine Family".Archived fromthe originalon 2011-08-24.Retrieved2009-05-20.
- ^Neumann 2004,p. 234
- ^"The CFM Timeline"Archived2010-03-23 at theWayback Machine
- ^"CFM Delivers 21,000th CFM56 Engine While Retaining Solid Delivery Backlog"(Press release). Archived fromthe originalon 2016-03-09.RetrievedNovember 16,2010.
- ^abc"Smiths To Sell Aerospace Ops To GE For $4.8B[dead link]."McGrath, S.; Stone, R.The Wall Street Journal.January 15, 2007.
- ^"GE Aviation Completes Acquisition of Smiths Aerospace".Smiths Aerospace(Press release). May 4, 2007. Archived fromthe originalon 2007-10-31.
- ^Mideast Widens Aircraft Ventures, Wall Street Journal, July 30, 2008, p. B2.
- ^"GE Announces purchase of Avio S.p.A"
- ^Stephen Trimble (10 Oct 2017)."GE nears milestones on $1.5B bet on business aircraft".Flightglobal.
- ^"GE Unveils Brand Names for Three Planned Future Public Companies | GE Aerospace News".www.geaerospace.com.
- ^Scott, Clare."GE Aviation Tests the Largest Jet Engine in the World, Featuring 3D Printed Fuel Nozzles",3D Print,25 April 2016. Accessed 16 May 2016.
- ^Henry Canaday (Dec 11, 2017)."Additive Manufacturing Could Disrupt".Aviation Week Network.
- Bibliography
- Leyes II, Richard A.; Fleming, William A. (1999),"10",The History of North American Small Gas Turbine Aircraft Engines,Washington, DC: Smithsonian Institution, p. 725,ISBN978-1-56347-332-6,retrieved2011-07-04
- Neumann, Gerhard(2004),Herman the German: Just Lucky I Guess,Bloomington, IN, USA: Authorhouse,ISBN978-1-4184-7925-1
External links
[edit]
| International | |
|---|---|
| Artists | |
- Aircraft engine manufacturers of the United States
- Companies based in Hamilton County, Ohio
- Gas turbine manufacturers
- General Electric aircraft engines
- General Electric Infrastructure subsidiaries
- Manufacturing companies based in Ohio
- Manufacturing companies established in 1917
- Defense engine manufacturers of the United States
- Corporate spin-offs
- 1917 establishments in Ohio
- Companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange