GE Aviation is gathering hardware for the assembly of its first Passport engine for the Bombardier Global 7000 and Global 8000 aircraft. Assembly of the first full engine to test will begin by year end.

"The results of the component and fan rig tests on the Passport engine have demonstrated the outstanding capabilities of the advanced technologies and material in the new engine," said Brad Mottier, vice president and general manager of GE Aviation's Business and General Aviation organization. "We remain confident in the engine's performance and look forward to testing the first Passport engine next year."

Since launching the engine in 2010, GE has conducted validation tests on the fan blisk design, including two fan blade-out tests, ingestion tests and a fan aero rig test to demonstrate fan efficiency. Testing was completed on two eCore demonstrators, which accumulated 150 hours. Another eCore demonstrator is scheduled to run next year.

The Passport engine for the Global 7000 and Global 8000 business jets 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/8 emissions and Stage 4 noise regulations along with world-class reliability and support. Among the new engine technologies:

-A composite fan case to reduce weight,

-A unique 52" front fan blisk for lower cabin noise and vibration,

-and technologies from GE's eCore suite to lower emissions and improve fuel efficiency.

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