Engines
CFM Freezes Design of Leap-1B Engine for 737 Max
The CFM Leap’s fan blades consist mainly of composite made with a process called resin transfer molding using a 3-D carbon-fiber preform. (Photo: Snecma)
The CFM Leap’s fan blades consist mainly of composite made with a process called resin transfer molding using a 3-D carbon-fiber preform. (Photo: Snecma)

CFM International last week froze the design of the Leap engine variant destined to power Boeing’s new 737 Max narrowbody. The Snecma-GE joint venture has said it expects to achieve the first full engine test of the Leap-1B in the middle of next year, followed by initial flight-testing in 2015 and powerplant certification in 2016. Boeing expects the 737 Max to enter service in 2017.