Middle River Aerostructure Systems has the lead role for the nacelle system on GE Aviation’s Passport turbofan engine, working with its industrial partner Safran Nacelles in their Nexcelle joint venture.
The Passport powers Bombardier’s Global 7500 business aircraft and is business aviation’s first truly integrated propulsion system (IPS), resulting from the Nexcelle joint venture’s close working relationship with GE Aviation as the powerplant manufacturer.
fast fact
The Passport engine’s large composite fan cowl doors have a length of
103 inches
to facilitate access to the turbofan powerplant for inspection and maintenance
Features of the nacelle components supplied by MRAS include an extensive use of composites for reduced weight – including the large two-piece fan cowl doors that facilitate access to the engine for inspection and maintenance, along with a 360-degree single-piece extended inner barrel that integrates advanced acoustic protection for lower engine noise levels.
Other MRAS supplied components of the Passport nacelle are its one-piece aluminum inlet lip for reduced aerodynamic drag; and an innovative anti-ice system that utilizes the directed flow nozzle concept.
