Shanghai, China, May 5, 2017 – Today’s first flight of the COMAC C919 marks the debut of Nexcelle’s innovative engine nacelle system, which provides improved operating performance and efficiency, lower weight and easier maintenance for the twin-engine Chinese jetliner’s integrated propulsion system.Â
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The C919 nacelle system – developed with expertise from the Nexcelle 50/50 joint venture’s two parent companies, Safran Nacelles and GE Aviation’s Middle River Aircraft Systems – is incorporated on the C919’s LEAP-1C turbofan engines, developed by CFM International.
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“Our parent companies’ know-how in design, integration and manufacturing have contributed to the highly-capable nacelle system that is now flying on the C919,” said Nexcelle President Kenneth Onderko. “The result is a tribute to the dedication and professionalism of the teams at Middle River Aircraft Systems and Safran Nacelles, who have overseen its smooth development.”
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Key features of Nexcelle’s nacelle system for the LEAP-1C include an all-new translating O-Duct thrust reverser configuration; a fan cowl that is structurally integrated to the engine; and an integrated mounting system for reduced engine distortion and enhanced on-wing performance.
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A major innovation in Nexcelle’s nacelle design is its one-piece composite O-Duct thrust reverser configuration, which replaces the two-piece “D” doors on traditional thrust reversers. When deployed, the O-Duct moves aftward to the reverse thrust position, eliminating drag links in the engine’s secondary flow-path, enhancing the airflow path and improving fuel consumption – while also increasing thrust reverser efficiency. The O-Duct deployment is performed with an evolved electrical thrust reverser actuation system (ETRAS), replacing heavier hydraulics typically used in thrust reversers and improving maintainability.
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Another of the nacelle system’s technological advances is its low drag front end that incorporates an air inlet with a one-piece lip skin – the largest of its kind to enter production on a large commercial jet engine, improving airflow and contributing to lower noise. Additionally, the inlet has a directed flow nozzle deicing system, which more efficiently swirls engine bleed air within the inlet lip, thereby providing weight, efficiency and maintainability improvements from traditional nacelle deicing systems.
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Nexcelle’s LEAP-1C nacelle also incorporates the extensive use of lightweight and state-of-the-art noise-attenuating composite materials, benefitting from the joint venture parent companies’ proven experience in their respective nacelle and thrust reverser product lines.
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In developing the nacelle system, Nexcelle worked closely with CFM International, which itself is a joint venture of GE Aviation and Safran Aircraft Engines. The result of this collaboration is one of the first truly integrated propulsion systems for the air transport sector.
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The C919 performed its maiden flight from COMAC’s Shanghai Pudong International Airport facility, where Nexcelle’s on-site team has been supporting the nacelle system through the development phase, and has been reinforced for the C919’s flight test campaign and industrialization phase. Nexcelle’s O-Duct thrust reverser was utilized during the jetliner’s first landing today, demonstrating its performance from the startup of C919 flight testing.
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