Middle River Aerostructure Systems’ thrust reverser on GE Aviation’s GEnx-2B engine for the Boeing 747-8 jetliner incorporates MRAS’ core competencies in advanced composite materials design and analysis, as well as close tolerance, complex nacelle assembly. This results in a highly-reliable, lightweight and acoustically-efficient nacelle system.
Design features include a one-piece single cure, graphite-epoxy inner fixed structure – the first of its kind for MRAS – improving upon three-piece metallic and precured BMI structures from previous-generation thrust reverser designs. The resulting concept significantly reduces weight, the amount of attachment hardware needed and allows for greater ease of field repairability for a lower overall cost of ownership.
fast fact
The GEnx-2B engine has a thrust rating of
66,500 lbs.
for the 747-8 jetliner
This cascade-style thrust reverser has a single-piece translating sleeve manufactured by MRAS using a one stage co-cured design that reduces autoclave cycles resulting in lower overall production cost.
Contributing to the GEnx’s superior acoustic and vibratory performance are the double degree of freedom Nomex honeycomb core and perforated facesheets, along with aft end serrations (chevrons) giving the cowling its unique appearance.
Extremely close-tolerance internal and external flow surfaces, coupled with tightly controlled internal and external steps and gaps, serve to minimize drag thus resulting in optimal fuel efficiency from the nacelle.
