Engines
General Electric Passport Engine Nears First Test
The first Passport 20 test engine is nearing completion. Here a GE technician assembles the high-pressure compressor at the GE plant in Cincinnati, Ohio.
The first Passport 20 test engine is nearing completion. Here a GE technician assembles the high-pressure compressor at the GE plant in Cincinnati, Ohio.

General Electric is preparing its new Passport engine for a first test run next month. Intended to power the Bombardier Global 7000 and 8000 jets, the Passport 20 is scheduled for certification in 2015. Assembly of the first engine began in March, and the low-pressure turbine was installed last week. The 52-inch fan section, one of five blisk (single-piece blade disk) stages, is fitted next, followed by the composite fan case. The engine forms an integrated propulsion system with a slimline nacelle designed in partnership with Nexcelle, itself a joint venture between GE and French engine manufacturer Snecma. The lightweight, low-drag nacelle has an outward-opening cowl for easy access.

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