Press Release 96-06

Lori J. Rachul
NASA Lewis Research Center
(216/433-8806)

NASA SELECTS GE AIRCRAFT ENGINES FOR TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

CLEVELAND, OH -- NASA Lewis Research Center has awarded a $61.8 million five-year contract to General Electric (GE) Aircraft Engines, of Cincinnati, OH, to develop critical technologies for the next generation of U.S. subsonic commercial engines.

Under the cost-reimbursement-without-fee contract, critical advancements will be pursued to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by 70 percent and to reduce the expected future engine noise level 6dB. Research will also be conducted on engine technologies that will improve fuel efficiency by 8 percent and direct operating costs by 3 percent.

Work to be performed under the propulsion category includes: low emission combustor development, validated aerodynamic and aeroelastic codes for turbomachinery; lightweight affordable engine structures and lubrication system for geared engines. Engine noise reduction technology areas include: aerodynamic and aeroacoustic prediction code development, fan/nacelle noise reduction concept design and testing, active noise reduction concept development and demonstrations.

Contract results are expected to provide the technical data to address pending emission and noise regulations that will impact the large engines (20,000 to 100,000 lb. thrust) on 21st century commercial transport aircraft.

The company will develop and demonstrate these technologies at their facilities in Cincinnati as well as at Lewis.

96-06

text-only version of this release

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