CFM completes ground testing first LEAP engine

CFM International has completed testing of the first full LEAP engine “with outstanding results”. The LEAP-1A engine fired for the first time on 4 September 2013, two days ahead of the schedule set in early 2010.

The engine, which was operating smoothly at full take-off thrust in a matter of hours, logged a total of 310 hours and more than 400 cycles during approximately five weeks of testing.

During 2014, a total of 15 LEAP engines (a combination of all three models) are scheduled to be on test. Among the tests planned for next year, CFM will complete early icing tests at GE facilities in Winnipeg, Canada, as well as early endurance testing. Both the LEAP-1A and -1C configurations are on schedule for flight tests in 2014, as well. “We still have a lot of testing ahead of us, and problems may turn up in future engines,” said Chaker Chahrour, executive vice president for CFM. “However, the point of these tests is to push the engine as hard as we can. We got a ton of great data that has given us real insight into this engine, and we are right where we want to be”.

The first engine test launched an extensive ground and flight test certification programme that will encompass 60 engine builds over the next three years and will accumulate approximately 40,000 cycles before entry into service.

The foundation of the LEAP engine is heavily rooted in advanced aerodynamics, environmental, and materials technology development programs. It will provide 15 percent better fuel consumption and an equivalent reduction in CO2 emissions compared to today’s best CFM engine, along with dramatic reductions in engine noise and emissions. All this technology brings with it CFM’s legendary reliability and low maintenance costs.