First All Composites Fan Containment Case

Citation

(2005), "First All Composites Fan Containment Case", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 77 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2005.12777daf.007

First All Composites Fan Containment Case

First All Composites Fan Containment Case

Keywords: Aircraft, Aircraft engines

GKN Aerospace has been selected by General Electric Company (GE) to develop and manufacture the front fan containment case for the new GEnx Engine which will power the Boeing 787.

The fan containment case is said to be the first case for a commercial program to be manufactured entirely from composite materials. It will benefit from GKN’s intensive composite technology development program, which has led to many developments, such as Resin Film Infusion (RFI), bringing considerable cost savings to the end product along with dramatic improvements in product consistency and quality. GKN Aerospace expects to develop and manufacture hardware consisting of the containment case, trench filler and abradable panels for the GEnx engine.

James J. Fitzsimmons, President and CEO of GKN Aerospace, Aerostructures comments:

“GKN is pleased to be expanding our relationship with GE and recognise the GEnx engine as the next generation of engine technology. This program represents an extension of our wide- ranged composites aerostructures expertise into equipping aero-engines, a move of strategic importance to the business”.

The fan case’s composite properties will provide a tough, resilient structure that eliminates the potential for corrosion allowing for greater engine durability. The composite materials also provide a dramatic weight reduction for the GEnx engine. “It is designed to meet Boeing’s aggressive weight and performance targets on the 787 Dreamliner”. – States Paul Cocker, Vice-President and General Manager of the Alabama Aerostructres Site.

The GEnx engine is planned for certification in 2007.