Boeing selects Aircelle titanium exhaust systems for GE Aviation engines on 777X jetliner

LE HAVRE, France, 16 Dec. 2014. Aircelle (Safran) will produce titanium exhaust systems for the Boeing 777Xcommercial jetliner, according to what is the nacelle manufacturer's first major supplier win with the airframe manufacturer.

These exhaust systems will equip the 777X's two GE9X turbofan engines from GE Aviation, providing the benefits of lower mass, along with increased resistance to heat with the use of Aircelle processes for titanium high-temperature applications, company officials say. The exhaust system includes acoustically-treated areas for a reduced noise level signature.

"Aircelle earned its way into the 777X supply chain through a proven record of quality performance in the industry and a commitment to meet the affordability requirements of our airline customers," explains Bob Noble, vice president, Partnering for Success, Boeing Commercial Airplanes Supplier Management. Through its selection by Boeing, Aircelle has become an active member of the 777X design team, and the company engineers already are working closely with the aircraft manufacturer to meet the next program milestone.

Based on its experience and proprietary database, Aircelle has optimized the design and manufacturing processes in metallics for nacelle applications, and developed methods of predicting titanium's performance in commercial exhaust systems.

"Our selection opens up a new relationship with Boeing, and reinforces Aircelle's role as a world-leading supplier of engine nacelles," says Aircelle Chairman and CEO Martin Sion. "It also demonstrates how Aircelle continues to apply innovation to all components of an engine nacelle.”

A subsidiary of Safran with seven sites in France, the United Kingdom, and Morocco, Aircelle provides nacelle systems for all the market segments, from regional and business aircraft to the largest airliners.