CFM International, a joint venture between GE Aviation and Snecma, has commenced ground testing of the first LEAP-1B engine that will exclusively power Boeing’s 737 MAX aircraft.
The engine was run for the first time on 13 June, three days ahead of schedule.
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The LEAP-1B engine, installed in a test cell at Snecma (Safran) facilities in Villaroche, France, has completed a series of break-in runs before reaching full take-off thrust.
Boeing Commercial Airplanes 737 MAX program vice-president and general manager Keith Leverkuhn said CFM has a proven history of delivering the most reliable, high-performing engines in the single-aisle market.
"The start of testing on the LEAP-1B engine for the 737 MAX demonstrates that we are on track to deliver the most fuel-efficient single-aisle airplane family in the industry in 2017," Leverkuhn said.
The engine will be tested for the next several weeks, and CFM will verify its mechanical operation, operability (stall margin) and engine starts.
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By GlobalDataIn addition to this, the company will further validate the advanced technologies incorporated in the engine, including the woven carbon fiber composite fan, the twin-annular, pre-mixing swirler (TAPS) combustor, ceramic matrix composite shrouds in the high-pressure turbine and the titanium aluminide blades in the low-pressure turbine.
Speaking about the development, CFM executive vice-president Cédric Goubet said the company is excited to have this engine on test.
Goubet said, "Now that we are running at full power, we can really see what it is capable of.
"All of the testing we have done to date has validated the technology choices we made. The LEAP-1B engine will deliver everything we have promised and more."
The LEAP-1B engine will contribute significantly to the fuel efficiency improvement in 737 MAX, making it 14% more fuel efficient than today’s most efficient next-generation 737 jets.
Image: The LEAP-1B engine, installed in a test cell at Snecma (Safran) facilities in Villaroche, France, completed a series of break-in runs before reaching full take-off thrust. Photo: courtesy of Boeing.
