Joint C919 definition phase continues

CFM International and the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) are continuing the joint definition phase for the advanced C919 single-aisle aircraft /engine combination in preparation for entry into revenue service in 2016. The joint definition phase will continue into early 2011.

In December 2009, COMAC selected CFM's advanced new LEAP-X engine as the sole western powerplant for the C919. COMAC has forecasted global sales of more than 2,000 C919 aircraft over the 20 years following entry into service in 2016.

LEAP-X is a totally new centerline engine formally announced in mid-2008, and the development program has been progressing steadily ever since. CFM is on schedule with engine development work, will begin running a full-scale 5,000-cycle endurance test on the 3-D Woven Resin Transfer Molding (3-DW RTM) composite fan in the third quarter 2010, as well as initiating testing of eCore Demonstrator 2 in mid-2011. The company recently completed a two-phase, 150-hour test program of eCore Demonstrator 1. This development work will culminate in the first full engine, the LEAP-X1C, going to test in early 2013.

COMAC has opted for a complete Integrated Propulsion System (IPS) for the C919. CFM will provide the engine and, in partnership with Nexcelle*, the nacelle and thrust reverser to deliver a complete IPS solution to COMAC.

"The program is coming along very well," said Eric Bachelet, president and CEO of CFM International. "This agreement is the next logical step in what has been a tremendously successful collaboration between CFM, the Chinese aviation industry, and our Chinese airline customers. Today, we are embarking on an exciting new chapter with COMAC and we are honored to be a part of it."

CFM, a 50/50 joint company between Snecma (Safran group) and GE, is the world's largest commercial aircraft engine manufacturer. In 2008, the two companies renewed the partnership to the year 2040.