Ex-JAL 744 as testbed for new A320 engine

[Jeroen Hoppenbrouwers]

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/03/03/353834/ex-jal-747-finds-new-life-as-leap-x-testbed.html

Flight trials of CFM International's new Leap-X engine, an option for the Airbus A320neo, will be carried out on a new Boeing 747-400 testbed.

General Electric has acquired the 747-400, an ex-Japan Airlines airframe, which will undergo structural modification and renovation to prepare for the work.

The aircraft, powered by GE CF6-80C2 engines, will replace the company's 747-100 flying testbed and be based at its California facility in Victorville.