News
GE Aviation wins key contract with Boeing
Feb. 4, 2013, Grand Rapids, Mi. - Boeing has selected GE Aviation to provide the flight management system for the twin-engine 737 Max aircraft, which is scheduled to be delivered in 2017.
February 4, 2013 By aerospace-technology.com
The terms of the contract have been not disclosed.
The flight management system will be designed and manufactured at GE facilities in Grand Rapids, Mich. and Clearwater, Fla.
GE Aviation stated that the system would control the aircraft track to an accuracy of 10 metres and the time of arrival to within 10 seconds to any point in the flight plan.
It will offer benefits such as the ability to fly shorter flight paths and idle-thrust descents, which will reduce fuel consumption, resulting in lowers emissions and noise levels.
GE Aviation Avionics vice president George Kiefer said that the new system was a crucial part of most carriers' strategy to conduct required navigation performance (RNP) operations, and allows them to realise significant cost savings with lower fuel consumption.
"Advancements in flight management technology for commercial and military aircraft are essential for the world's ever-evolving airspace," Kiefer added.
Powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines, the Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft will offer 8 per cent lower operating costs and a decreased noise footprint of 40 per cent compared with rival aircraft in the single-aisle segment.
In addition to aerodynamic improvements to the tail and new advanced technology winglet, the 737 Max will reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 13 per cent.
To date, Boeing has received 1,064 firm orders for the 737 Max jets from airlines and leasing companies worldwide.
