The Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) and CFM International say the new LEAP-X1C engine has been selected as the sole western powerplant for the new C919 single-aisle aircraft scheduled to enter commercial service in 2016.

CFM is a 50/50 joint company between Snecma (SAFRAN Group) and GE.  In 2008, the two companies renewed the partnership to the year 2040.

COMAC has forecasted a global market for more than 2,000 C919 aircraft during the 20 years following entry into service.

COMAC has opted for a complete Integrated Propulsion System (IPS) for the C919.  CFM will provide the engine, provisionally called the LEAP-X1C, and, in partnership with Nexcelle, will provide the nacelle and thrust reverser to deliver a complete IPS solution to COMAC.  Nexcelle is a 50/50 joint venture between GE’s Middle River Aircraft Systems and SAFRAN Group’s Aircelle the two companies launched in 2008.

“The leading-edge technology incorporated in the engine, coupled with all of the benefits of a completely integrated propulsion system, will enable us to build a very competitive airplane for the global market,” said Zhang Qingwei, chairman of COMAC.

“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. said Eric Bachelet, president and CEO of CFM International in reference to CFM’s 25-year relationship with COMAC.

LEAP-X, launched in 2008, is a new centerline engine and the development program has been progressing since it was launched in mid-2008. The first core in the development program, eCore 1, successfully completed the first phase of testing earlier this year. The second phase of testing will begin in early 2010.

CFM has also been testing the revolutionary 3-D Woven Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) composite fan and case.  The LEAP-X fan will feature 18 blades, a 50 percent reduction versus the CFM56-5C and 25 percent fewer blades than the CFM56-7B.

Joy Finnegan served as editor-in-chief of Aviation Maintenance magazine starting in November 2006, after serving as its managing editor. She is now editor-in-chief of Rotor & Wing.

 
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