Engines
CFM partners renew vows, launch Leap-X
CFM International partners General Electric and Snecma have extended their successful 34-year partnership until 2040 and revealed plans to develop an all-n

CFM International partners General Electric and Snecma have extended their successful 34-year partnership until 2040 and revealed plans to develop an all-new engine, provisionally called the Leap-X. The engine will provide 16 percent more fuel efficiency than today’s CFM56; however, it will not be offered for retrofit to existing aircraft.

In parallel, the company is working on an open-rotor design that could be ready in 2020, burning 26 percent less fuel. “We must pursue open-rotor technology and understand the challenges,” said CFM’s executive vice president, Bill Clapper.