US: Open-fan GE engine targets 20% jet fuel cut as full-scale testing begins

CFM International (a joint GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines company) has announced that its revolutionary open-fan engine design is now moving from design to full-scale testing. This does not mean the engine will soon be ready for the market; rather, they are planning to test new technologies that could eventually be integrated into a new engine. According to GE, such an engine could be incorporated into a narrow-body aircraft by the 2030s. The engine, called Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines (RISE), was first unveiled in 2021 and has undergone extensive scaled testing. This is what CFM calls an “open-fan” engine, meaning the blades are not housed inside a nacelle or casing. This means that in an open fan, the fan blades are fully exposed to the elements. Removing the casing allows engineers to use a much larger fan without making the engine excessively heavy. Open fan engines reach a major milestone A larger fan can move more air while accelerating it less aggressively. That is generally a more efficient way of generating thrust, potentially reducing fuel consumption. CFM’s stated target is more than 20% lower fuel burn compared with engines currently in service. That would also mean approximately 20% lower carbon emissions when burning conventional jet fuel. As for the reported testing, CFM now plans to test full-size pieces under harsh conditions like simulated bird strikes, ice buildup, dust and debris ingestion, etc. These tests will be used to assess whether the engines are viable under real-world conditions and whether they can meet current aerospace standards. “Our engineers are doing a fantastic job maturing the most advanced technologies the industry has seen to date while balancing this innovation with the experience of more than 1.4 billion engine flight hours,” explained Gaël Méheust, CFM International President & CEO, in a press release. “As CFM, we have a unique understanding of our customers’ day-to-day operations and the important role that durability and maintainability play, in addition to efficiency. All of those learnings are at the core of everything we are doing with the RISE program,” he added. “While Open Fan is a new architecture, the technologies inside have been proven over decades of innovation. We’re testing real, full-size Open Fan hardware, showing real progress and a renewed ambition from CFM to advance the RISE program and deliver the vital technology step-changes for durability and efficiency to power the future of air travel,” added Arjan Hegeman, GE Aerospace vice president of Future of Flight Engineering. Not yet ready for production “The first high-speed low-pressure turbine, part of the fan system, was also recently tested for more than 1,000 hours. Teams validated the LPT’s aerodynamic design as well as its aerothermal performance,” he added. “The RISE program is gaining strong momentum, moving from concept to reality. More than 2,000 CFM engineers are advancing the technologies that will enable the next generation of propulsion. We are validating every key building block for Open Fan, supported by extensive testing capabilities,” explained Pierre Cottenceau, Safran Aircraft Engines Engineering and R&T EVP. “As we prepare to test a full-scale front module of the Open Fan in our new 8-meter test cell at Villaroche, we are building on decades of expertise, including composite fan blades, to shape the future of aviation,” he concluded.Recommended ArticlesGet the latest in engineering, tech, space & science - delivered daily to your inbox.Christopher graduated from Cardiff University in 2004 with a Masters Degree in Geology. Since then, he has worked exclusively within the Built Environment, Occupational Health and Safety and Environmental Consultancy industries. He is a qualified and accredited Energy Consultant, Green Deal Assessor and Practitioner member of IEMA. Chris’s main interests range from Science and Engineering, Military and Ancient History to Politics and Philosophy.