Boeing 777X Pairs GE9X Engines With Smooth Nacelle Edges

Boeing’s 777X is powered by General Electric GE9X engines. The aircraft’s later prototype configuration has smooth nacelle trailing edges rather than the sawtooth chevrons shown in early concepts, according to the report.

Key details

• The GE9X is rated at 110,000 pounds of thrust and has a 134-inch fan, 16 fan blades, and a two-spool design, according to reported specifications.
• The Boeing 787 uses GEnx engines with chevron-edged nacelles; the Boeing 747-8 and 737 MAX also use chevron features, with GEnx-2B and CFM LEAP-1B engines, respectively.
• The Airbus A350-900 and A350-1000 use engines from the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB family.
• The Boeing 777-9 is the largest 777X model, with a 235-foot composite wing and a maximum takeoff weight of 775,000 pounds, according to the report.

The GE9X has 16 fan blades and a 134-inch fan, according to the reported specifications.

Why it matters

Nacelle shaping reflects a balance between acoustic treatment and aerodynamic performance. The reported design description says the GE9X manages noise through internal acoustic treatment and other engine features, while the 777X’s exterior nacelle omits chevrons.