GE Aerospace and NASA partnering on flight tests to accelerate industry's understanding of contrails
GE Aerospace and NASA are partnering on flight tests to advance understanding of contrails using new test methods and technologies. The Contrail Optical Depth Experiment (CODEX) will be conducted from Virginia starting November 18, using NASA's G-III aircraft to follow GE's Flying Test Bed and scan aircraft wake with LiDAR technology. The partnership aims to better characterize contrail formation and behavior, supporting industry research to reduce non-CO2 emissions. The tests will also provide insights for GE's future engine technologies, including the CFM RISE program, which targets over 20% better fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions compared to current commercial engines.
GE Aerospace e NASA stanno collaborando a test di volo per approfondire la comprensione delle scie di condensa utilizzando nuovi metodi e tecnologie sperimentali. Il Contrail Optical Depth Experiment (CODEX) si svolgerà in Virginia a partire dal 18 novembre, utilizzando l'aereo G-III della NASA per seguire il Flying Test Bed di GE e analizzare il risveglio degli aerei con la tecnologia LiDAR. La partnership si propone di caratterizzare meglio la formazione e il comportamento delle scie di condensa, supportando la ricerca dell'industria per ridurre le emissioni non di CO2. I test forniranno anche informazioni per le future tecnologie dei motori di GE, incluso il programma CFM RISE, che mira a oltre il 20% di maggiore efficienza dei carburanti e a minori emissioni di CO2 rispetto ai motori commerciali attuali.
GE Aerospace y NASA están colaborando en pruebas de vuelo para avanzar en la comprensión de las estelas de condensación utilizando nuevos métodos y tecnologías de prueba. El Contrail Optical Depth Experiment (CODEX) se llevará a cabo en Virginia a partir del 18 de noviembre, utilizando el avión G-III de NASA para seguir el Flying Test Bed de GE y escanear las corrientes de aire de las aeronaves con tecnología LiDAR. La alianza tiene como objetivo caracterizar mejor la formación y el comportamiento de las estelas de condensación, apoyando la investigación de la industria para reducir las emisiones que no son de CO2. Las pruebas también proporcionarán información para las futuras tecnologías de motores de GE, incluido el programa CFM RISE, que tiene como objetivo más de un 20% de mejor eficiencia de combustible y menores emisiones de CO2 en comparación con los motores comerciales actuales.
GE 항공우주와 NASA는 새로운 실험 방법과 기술을 사용하여 비행 테스트를 통해 비행기 제트기 형성에 대한 이해를 발전시키기 위해 협력하고 있습니다. Contrail Optical Depth Experiment (CODEX)는 11월 18일부터 버지니아에서 진행되며, NASA의 G-III 항공기가 GE의 Flying Test Bed를 따라 비행하고 LiDAR 기술을 사용하여 항공기 항적을 스캔합니다. 이 파트너십의 목표는 제트기 형성 및 행동을 더 잘 특성화하여 비산업용 CO2 이외의 배출량을 줄이기 위한 산업 연구를 지원하는 것입니다. 이 테스트는 또한 GE의 향후 엔진 기술에 대한 통찰력을 제공하며, 현재 상용 엔진에 비해 20% 이상의 연료 효율 개선과 CO2 배출 감소를 목표로 하는 CFM RISE 프로그램을 포함합니다.
GE Aerospace et NASA s'associent pour effectuer des tests de vol afin d'améliorer la compréhension des traînées de condensation en utilisant de nouvelles méthodes de test et technologies. L'Expérience de la profondeur optique des traînées (CODEX) sera réalisée en Virginie à partir du 18 novembre, en utilisant l'avion G-III de la NASA pour suivre le Flying Test Bed de GE et scanner le sillage des avions avec la technologie LiDAR. Ce partenariat vise à mieux caractériser la formation et le comportement des traînées, soutenant la recherche de l'industrie pour réduire les émissions autres que le CO2. Les tests fourniront également des informations pour les futures technologies de moteurs de GE, y compris le programme CFM RISE, qui vise à améliorer de plus de 20% l'efficacité énergétique et à réduire les émissions de CO2 par rapport aux moteurs commerciaux actuels.
GE Aerospace und NASA arbeiten zusammen an Flugtests, um das Verständnis von Kondensstreifen mithilfe neuer Testmethoden und -technologien zu verbessern. Das Contrail Optical Depth Experiment (CODEX) wird ab dem 18. November in Virginia durchgeführt, wobei das G-III-Flugzeug von NASA verwendet wird, um GE's Flying Test Bed zu folgen und die Flugzeugwake mit LiDAR-Technologie zu scannen. Die Partnerschaft zielt darauf ab, die Bildung und das Verhalten von Kondensstreifen besser zu charakterisieren und die Forschung der Industrie zur Reduzierung nicht-CO2-Emissionen zu unterstützen. Die Tests werden auch Einblicke in die zukünftigen Motorentechnologien von GE geben, einschließlich des CFM RISE-Programms, das eine Verbesserung der Kraftstoffeffizienz um über 20 % und eine Senkung der CO2-Emissionen im Vergleich zu aktuellen Verkehrsflugzeugen anstrebt.
- Partnership with NASA strengthens GE's position in aviation innovation
- CFM RISE program targets 20% better fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions reduction
- Plans to hire 900+ engineers in 2024, showing commitment to R&D
- Technologies being developed for 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel compatibility
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Insights
This flight testing program represents a significant advancement in aviation environmental research. The partnership combines GE's Flying Test Bed capabilities with NASA's advanced LiDAR technology to create detailed 3D imaging of contrails - a critical but poorly understood contributor to aviation's climate impact.
The integration with the CFM RISE program, targeting
While primarily research-focused, this initiative could lead to valuable intellectual property and competitive advantages in engine design and emissions reduction technology. The planned hiring of 900 engineers in 2024 further signals GE's commitment to leading in sustainable aviation technology.
The strategic significance of this partnership extends beyond environmental concerns. GE's investment in contrail research positions them favorably as aviation regulations increasingly focus on non-CO2 emissions. The collaboration with NASA provides valuable validation and credibility for GE's environmental initiatives.
The expansion of the Flying Test Bed's capabilities and the integration with the RISE program demonstrates efficient resource utilization, potentially accelerating the development and certification of next-generation engine technologies. The SATAVIA acquisition earlier this year now appears as part of a broader strategic plan to dominate the sustainable aviation technology market.
- Advances LiDAR technology for improved contrail analysis
- Provides insights for development of new aircraft engines
- Industry actively collaborating to understand contrail science with aim to reduce emissions
Contrails are clouds made of ice particles, which can be created when airplanes fly through cold, humid air. Persistent contrails are estimated to have a warming climate impact. Flight tests will support industry research efforts to better understand contrail science and enable new technology development that can reduce non-CO2 emissions.
Flights for the Contrail Optical Depth Experiment (CODEX) will be conducted the week of November 18 from
For GE Aerospace, this represents new operating methods for its 747 Flying Test Bed, expanding capabilities ahead of flight tests planned this decade to evaluate performance of new commercial engine technologies. Open Fan, advanced combustion designs, and other propulsion systems are being developed through CFM International's Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines (RISE)* program.
"GE Aerospace is proud to once again team up with NASA to be at the forefront of innovation for the future of more sustainable flight," said Arjan Hegeman, general manager of future of flight technology for GE Aerospace. "Understanding how contrails act in-flight with the latest detection technology is how we move innovation forward. These tests will provide critical insight to advance next generation aircraft engine technologies for a step change in efficiency and emissions."
GE Aerospace and NASA have partnered for more than 50 years to accelerate the introduction of new innovations to the aviation industry.
"NASA is advancing the scientific understanding of contrails to improve our confidence in future operational contrail management decisions that consider overall climate impact and economic trades," said Dr. Rich Wahls, manager of NASA's Sustainable Flight National Partnership. "We are thrilled to once again work with our collaborator, GE Aerospace, on this first-of-its-kind flight experiment."
Chief technology officers across the aviation industry called for more government research programs at the Farnborough International Airshow in July to enhance understanding of aviation non-CO2 effects, such as contrails, nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur, aerosols, and soot.
Weather prediction
NASA, German Aerospace Center (DLR), and SATAVIA will collaborate on atmospheric forecasting to identify conditions favorable for studying contrail formation.
DLR will help predict the altitude and dimensions of contrail forming regions and their evolution, required to guide the aircraft into fast-moving contrail regions. After the flight tests, the contrail model can be validated with LiDAR observations to advance contrail prediction capabilities.
Additionally, flight test learnings will help SATAVIA – which offers a contrail forecasting and management service – validate and improve its numerical weather prediction capability used to forecast contrail formation in ice super saturated regions (ISSR). Aerospace Carbon Solutions, a GE Aerospace business, acquired SATAVIA earlier this year.
CFM RISE program
Unveiled in 2021, the CFM RISE program is one of the aviation industry's most comprehensive technology demonstration programs showing real progress with more than 250 tests completed.
Through the RISE program, CFM is advancing a suite of pioneering technologies, including advanced engine architectures like Open Fan, compact core, and hybrid electric systems to be compatible with
Innovation legacy
In addition to the upcoming contrails flight tests, GE Aerospace and NASA collaborations include hybrid electric engine development, new compact core compressor, combustor, and high-pressure turbine jet engine technologies, and fuels emissions testing.
GE Aerospace plans to hire more than 900 engineers in 2024, reflecting its continued focus on innovation to support current aircraft engine programs and develop new technologies for the future of flight. View job openings at invent.ge/engineering.
*RISE is a registered trademark of CFM International, a 50-50 joint company between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines.
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