Engines
CFM Starts Testing First Leap Engine
The first Leap engine has begun running on a test stand at GE's facilities in Peebles, Ohio. (Photo: CFM International)
The first Leap engine has begun running on a test stand at GE's facilities in Peebles, Ohio. (Photo: CFM International)

CFM International—the 50-50 joint venture between GE and France’s Snecma—has started testing the first full Leap turbofan engine, the company announced Friday. The Leap-1A—one of the powerplant choices for the Airbus A320neo—fired for the first time on September 4, two days ahead of schedule. After a series of so-called break-in runs, the engine ran smoothly and reached takeoff thrust, reported CFM.