Important milestone for Volvo Aero when new GEnx engine completes first critical test

Important milestone for Volvo Aero when new GEnx engine completes first critical
test

The GEnx-2B engine that will power the new Boeing 747-8 aircraft has started its
certification program with a successful ground testing at General Electric's
outdoor testing facility in Peebles, Ohio. During the first ground testing the
GEnx-2B demonstrated 70,950 pounds of takeoff thrust. 
“The successful engine testing marks a highly significant milestone for the
project and sets a positive tone for continued testing during 2008/2009,”
comments Joakim Andersson, GEnx Project Leader at Volvo Aero.


GEnx is the largest commercial undertaking ever for Volvo Aero. The company will
develop six different components for the engine, of which three are being
developed at Volvo Aero in Trollhättan, Sweden.

The GEnx engine will be mounted on two different aircraft, the Boeing 787 (The
Dreamliner) and Boeing 747-8. Despite sharing the same name, it involves two
unique engine developments.

”It involves two different engines for varying applications: 1B is for the
Boeing 787 and 2B for 747-8, but as the name reflects, we are trying to build
the engine architecture as well as the component technology from the same base
and as a result gain synergies in the design work as well as the supply chain
architecture,” explains Joakim Andersson. 

The week's successful start increases optimism for the continued testing.  The
FETT (First Engine To Test) stage is concurrently the official start of the test
program in the development of the GEnx-2B, in which five engines will be used.
Testing during 2008 will include flight tests on GE's flying test bed. The test
program will be concluded with certification of the engine for 67,000 pounds in
the first half of 2009, with entry into service in late 2009.

Commercially, GEnx is already a major success. More than 1,100 engines have been
sold to date. 

”It appears that the GEnx-2B is also receiving a highly positive reception on
the market, since Boeing is reporting higher sales figures for its new 747-8
than it had originally expected,” says Stefan Oscarsson, Business Manager for
the GE program at Volvo Aero.

More than 400 GEnx-2B engines have been sold to Boeing's modernized 747 model,
which will be used as a freighter as well as for intercontinental passenger
service.

March 14, 2008

For more information, please contact Joakim Andersson, +46 70 206 85 70 or
Stefan Oscarsson, +46 70 674627.


Volvo Aero develops and manufactures components for aircraft and rocket engines
with a high technology content in cooperation with the world's leading
producers. Volvo Aero offers an extensive range of services, including sales of
spare parts for aircraft engines and aircraft, sales and leasing of aircraft
engines and aircraft, as well as overhaul and repair of aircraft engines. Volvo
Aero is part of the Volvo Group, one of the world's leading manufacturers of
trucks, buses and construction equipment, drive systems for marine and
industrial applications, aerospace components and services. The Group also
provides complete solutions for financing and service.