CFM International has begun dust ingestion testing on next-generation high-pressure turbine (HPT) airfoils. The earliest CFM has conducted this type of testing, it simulates the real-world operating conditions of engine technologies in development to optimize for durability.

Dust ingestion testing uses a proprietary mix of sand and other particles developed by GE Aerospace, one of CFM’s parent companies. A specialized test rig injects dust into the engine over thousands of cycles representing takeoff and climb, cruise and landing. The test campaign will replicate how the parts would withstand flight conditions in severe operating environments around the world, important for customer operations.

Arjan Hegeman, vice president for the future of flight at GE Aerospace, said: “With the RISE technology demonstration program, we’re pursuing durability and efficiency improvements with equal focus. This incorporates lessons from the flying fleet today to inform our future engine products by testing early and often.”

Core testing

CFM is developing a compact engine core including high-pressure compressor, HPT, and combustor technologies for a demonstrator later this decade through the RISE program (Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines (RISE) is a technology demonstration program of CFM International, a 50-50 joint company between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines. It is not a product offered for commercial sale.). The core’s Conceptual Design Review has been completed.

More than 3,000 endurance cycles of advanced HPT airfoils were completed earlier in 2025. Previous tests of HPT blades and nozzles focused on validating thermal, mechanical, and system performance.