We toured a specially modified Boeing 747 used as a 'flying laboratory' to test new jet engines. See inside.
GE Aerospace is building the world's largest jet engine for Boeing's new 777X, and it's using a giant 747 to test it. We toured the unique plane.
A specially modified Boeing 747, serving as a "flying laboratory," was showcased at the Farnborough International Airshow in July. This aircraft is utilized for testing and certifying new commercial jet engines, specifically GE Aerospace's upcoming 777X engine. The plane, a refurbished 747-400 from Japan Airlines, was purchased by GE Aerospace in 2010 and replaced the aging 747-100 first used in 1992.
The 747 has been instrumental in certifying engines powering popular aircraft like the Airbus A320, Boeing 737, and Comac narrowbody. Its current project involves the GE9X, an exceptionally large engine capable of producing 110,000 pounds of thrust, holding the record for the highest thrust in a commercial jet. This engine is being developed for Boeing's upcoming 777X, slated for 2027 delivery by Lufthansa.
Upon touring the GE 747 at the airshow, Business Insider spoke with GE's chief test pilot, Jonathan Ohman. The aircraft, based at a hangar in Southern California, has undergone over 1,500 test flights and is equipped with thousands of feet of wiring and data boxes. The cabin features specialized test equipment, with up to 1,000 parameters collected during tests, such as thrust, fuel flow, and oil temperature.
The plane accommodates a team of eight to 20 personnel, including pilots, engineers, mechanics, and logistics staff. Passenger recliners line the front of the cabin, providing comfort for the test crew. The upper level of the 747, typically reserved for business or first class in passenger jets, serves as the cockpit for the test flights.
Two certified test pilots, a captain and a first officer, operate the aircraft, with the first officer managing the test engine and the captain ensuring the plane's stability and necessary conditions. Up to 15 test engineers monitor the flights, collecting real-time data on the engine's performance and storing it on the plane for further analysis upon landing.
The 747's mobility allows it to test in various weather conditions, from Alaska for cold environments to Hawaii for high-altitude cooling climbs. The engine is usually installed as the inner-left engine.
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