A Chinese aviation specialist has uncovered a concerning issue with high-pressure turbine blades in US-made GE Aerospace engines that power Boeing 787 aircraft. The blades are reportedly suffering from unexpected early damage, forcing airlines to decide whether to replace the engines or continue flying under strict inspection protocols.
The problem raises doubts about the reliability of American aerospace products, especially as US manufacturing quality faces increased scrutiny. According to the study, cracks can form in some blades after just about 1,000 flight cycles, potentially leading to metal fragments breaking away.
Xia Xiaofeng, the author of the study, noted that an airline’s Boeing 787 fleet experienced five engine removals due to defects in Phase 2/2+ HPT blades. All cases involved material loss between cooling holes on the blades’ convex surfaces.