Summary GE9X is a new giant with unmatched thrust at 134,000 pounds, setting new industry fuel efficiency standards. GE9X's noise reduction and cooling tech make it one of the quietest and durable engines in its class. Rolls-Royce UltraFan marks a new era with a massive 140-inch fan, promising up to 100,000 lbf of thrust.
As the demand for fuel efficiency continues to rise, jet engines have grown in both size and power. These days, the scale of modern jet engines is typically measured by the diameter of their fans . Let’s take a closer look at some of the top 10 largest jet engines ever built, sorted in order from the smallest to the largest in the world.
10 General Electric CF6-80 Competing with the best The General Electric CF6-80E1 is the highest thrust engine among the CF6-80 family, designed to compete with the Rolls-Royce Trent 700 and the Pratt & Whitney PW4000 for powering the Airbus A330neo. This engine features a fan diameter of 96.2 inches (244 cm) and a bypass ratio of 5.
3, producing up to 72,000 lbf (320 kN) of thrust. The CF6-80E1 has proven to be a reliable and versatile option for airlines around the world. The CF6-80E1 is known for its durability and performance, making it a preferred choice for many airlines.
The engine: Has been used in a wide range of aircraft, including the Boeing 747 and the McDonnell Douglas MD-11. Is capable of operating efficiently across a wide range of flight conditions, making it a versatile engine for airlines. Has a proven track record of reliability, making it a trusted choice for long-haul and high-demand routes.
9 Rolls-Royce Trent 800 Dominating the early Boeing 777 market The Rolls-Royce Trent 800 was a game-changer when it was introduced as one of the engine options for the early Boeing 777 models. This engine quickly captured over 40% of the 777 market share, thanks to its innovative design and reliable performance. With a fan diameter of 110 inches (279 cm), the Trent 800 generates up to 93,000 lbf (415 kN) of thrust, making it a formidable option in the early widebody market.
The Trent 800’s features: A three-shaft design that allows for greater efficiency and power. Improved climb performance, allowing for quicker ascents and more efficient flight paths. Efficiency that translates into lower fuel consumption, reducing overall operating costs for airlines.
8 General Electric GEnx The evolution of the GE90 The General Electric GEnx is a direct descendant of the GE90, designed for the Boeing 787 and the 747-8. The engine features a fan diameter of 111.1 inches (282 cm) for the 787, while the version for the 747-8 has a slightly smaller 104.
7-inch (266 cm) fan. The GEnx produces up to 76,100 lbf (340 kN) of thrust, making it a critical component in the success of these next-generation aircraft. The GEnx is known for its fuel efficiency and environmental performance, continuing the legacy of the GE90.
This engine is a key player in long-haul flights, offering airlines a combination of power, efficiency, and reliability that is crucial for modern aviation. The GEnx's design: Incorporates advanced materials, such as composite fan blades, to reduce weight without sacrificing strength. Allows it to emit fewer NOx and CO2 gases, contributing to a cleaner environment.
7 Pratt & Whitney PW4000 A successor to the JT9D The Pratt & Whitney PW4000 series is a significant evolution from the iconic JT9D engine, known for powering early widebody jets. The largest variant of the PW4000, with a fan diameter of 112 inches (284 cm), is used on Boeing 777 aircraft. This engine is capable of producing up to 99,100 lbf (441 kN) of thrust, making it one of the most powerful engines in commercial aviation today.
The PW4000 series has been a reliable workhorse for airlines, known for its durability and performance. It has found widespread use across various aircraft, including the Airbus A330 and the McDonnell Douglas MD-11, showcasing its versatility and reliability in different operational conditions. The PW4000 features: A design that allows it to be used across multiple aircraft types.
Efficient fuel burn and long service intervals that help reduce operational costs, making it a cost-effective choice for airlines. 6 Rolls-Royce Trent 900 Built for the A380 The Rolls-Royce Trent 900 was developed to compete with the GP7000 and power the Airbus A380. It features a three-shaft architecture, similar to its Trent 800 sibling.
The Trent 900 has a fan diameter of 116 inches (295 cm) and generates up to 84,000 lbf (374 kN) of thrust, making it a powerful and reliable engine for the world’s largest passenger aircraft. This engine has played a crucial role in the success of the A380, particularly with airlines like British Airways and Singapore Airlines. The Trent 900’s design focuses on reliability, efficiency, and environmental performance, making it a key player in the large aircraft engine market.
The Trent 900 is designed: To minimize noise pollution, making it a more environmentally friendly option for airports and surrounding communities. For improved fuel burn efficiency, reducing operational costs for airlines. 5 Engine Alliance GP7000 A collaboration of giants The Engine Alliance GP7000 is the result of a partnership between two of the biggest names in aviation , GE and Pratt & Whitney.
This engine was specifically created to power the Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger aircraft. With a fan diameter of 117 inches (296 cm), the GP7000 is a testament to what collaborative engineering can achieve. Emirates, the largest operator of the A380, chose the GP7000 as their preferred engine, which speaks volumes about its reliability and performance.
The engine produces 81,500 lbf (365 kN) of thrust, making it a powerful option for such a massive aircraft. The GP7000 continues to be a significant player in the large aircraft engine market thanks to: Its excellent fuel efficiency, which is vital for long-haul flights with high passenger capacities. Design features that enhance its durability, ensuring it can withstand the demands of frequent long-haul operations.
4 Rolls-Royce Trent XWB Powering the Airbus A350 The Rolls-Royce Trent XWB is a masterpiece of modern engineering, exclusively powering the Airbus A350. This engine is a high-bypass turbofan with a fan diameter of 118 inches (300 cm), showcasing Rolls-Royce’s commitment to innovation and performance. The Trent XWB is pivotal in ensuring the A350’s efficiency and range, making it a crucial component of the aircraft’s success.
With a bypass ratio of 9.6:1, the Trent XWB produces up to 97,000 lbf (431 kN) of thrust, making it the most powerful engine in the Trent family. This engine is not just about raw power; it’s also about fuel efficiency and reducing environmental impact, which are increasingly important in today’s aviation industry.
The Trent XWB's design highlights include: Significantly lower CO2 emissions, aligning with global environmental goals. An extended its operational life, reducing the need for frequent overhauls. 3 General Electric GE90 The largest in service The GE90 , a cornerstone of the Boeing 777 family, remains one of the most significant developments in aviation.
Its fan diameter of 130 inches (330 cm) makes it the largest jet engine currently in service, playing a critical role in long-haul flights. The GE90 is known for its reliability and power, setting a high standard in the industry. With a thrust output of 115,540 lbf, the GE90 is integral to the performance of the 777-200, 777-200ER, and 777-300 models.
It’s also the exclusive engine for the 777-200LR and 777-300ER, ensuring these aircraft can cover long distances efficiently. General Electric GE90 turbofan engines have been powering aircraft in the Boeing 777 family for over 30 years. This engine has been a game-changer since its introduction, influencing engine design and performance standards.
The GE90 has one of the highest dispatch reliability rates in the industry, making it a preferred choice for airlines. Its design allows for longer intervals between maintenance checks, reducing overall operational costs for airlines. 2 General Electric GE9X The new giant on the block The GE9X, designed for the new Boeing 777X (yet to enter commercial service), is an engineering marvel built to elevate commercial aviation to unprecedented levels.
Its fan diameter measures 135 inches (343 cm), making it even wider than the fuselage of a Boeing 737. This engine represents a significant technological advancement, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in jet engine design. The GE9X has earned the Guinness World Record for the highest recorded thrust at 134,000 pounds, setting a new benchmark in the industry.
General Electric claims that the GE9X is 10% more fuel-efficient than its predecessor, the GE90, highlighting its role in reducing operational costs and environmental impact. The GE9X incorporates noise-reducing technologies, making it one of the quietest engines in its class, which is crucial for airport operations. The engine uses advanced cooling techniques, enhancing durability and performance in extreme conditions.
1 Rolls-Royce Ultra Fan A glimpse into the future of aviation The Rolls-Royce UltraFan is set to redefine jet engine technology, marking a new era of aviation. Although it’s still a demonstrator and not yet in commercial service, the UltraFan showcases a host of groundbreaking innovations aimed at pushing the boundaries of what jet engines can achieve. With a staggering fan diameter of 140 inches (356 cm), the UltraFan stands as the largest jet engine ever constructed , signaling a massive leap forward in engine design.
The news was revealed as part of the 2023 Dubai Airshow. This engine is expected to generate up to 100,000 lbf (440 kN) of thrust, making it not just the largest but also one of the most powerful engines ever. Rolls-Royce has focused on achieving greater fuel efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and improving overall sustainability.
The UltraFan is poised to set new standards for the industry and influence the future design of commercial aircraft with: Advanced materials like carbon-titanium fan blades and a composite casing, reducing weight while maintaining strength. A scalable design that can be adjusted to suit different aircraft sizes and types, offering versatility across multiple markets..
