|
CFM56-5C/P on Schedule for August
Certification, November EIS
LE BOURGET – June 16, 2003 –
The advanced CFM56-5C/P has completed flight tests on the
Airbus A340, paving the way for engine/aircraft certification
in August. The first CFM56-5C/P-powered A340-300 is scheduled
for delivery on the current A340-300 in October 2003, while
the first A340-300 Enhanced will be delivered in February
2004. The CFM56-5C, which powers the Airbus A340-200 and -300,
is produced by CFM International (CFM). CFM, a 50/50 joint
company between Snecma Moteurs of France and General Electric
Company, is the world's leading supplier of commercial aircraft
engines.
South African Airways launched the CFM56-5C/P program in
early 2002 with an order for six aircraft. Swiss International
Airlines, which is scheduled to be the first airline to take
delivery, ordered 12 airplanes. The engine is being developed
for both the A340 Enhanced aircraft and as an upgrade package
for current CFM56-5C operators. Upgrade kits will be available
by the end of this year. CFM sees a potential market for 500
engines/upgrade kits.
The -5C/P incorporates the advanced 3-D aerodynamic technology
originally developed for the CFM56-5B/P, including the high-pressure
compressor and high-pressure turbine design. Additional improvements
have also been incorporated into the high-pressure turbine
to enhance durability. Overall, the CFM56-5C/P provides operators
a 1 percent improvement in specific fuel consumption and a
13° C improvement in exhaust gas temperature (EGT). This
added margin will translate to 10 percent lower maintenance
costs through longer time on wing. In August, CFM will complete
back-to-back engines tests with an overhauled CFM56-5C engine
to verify the benefits of the upgrade kit for current A340
operators.
The engine will maintain the CFM56-5C noise signature, which
is the quietest in its class. The CFM56-5C-powered A340 meets
all current noise regulations with a cumulative margin of
23 EPNdB (effective perceived noise in decibels). The CFM56-5C/P
becomes the production configuration in 2004.
# # #
For further information, contact:
Jamie Jewell
33.1.41.57.55.51
jamie.jewell@ae.ge.com
U.S.: 513.243.6890
Rick Kennedy
33.1.41.57.60.02
rick.l.kennedy@ae.ge.com
U.S.: 513.243.3372
Vincent Chappard
33.1. 41.57.55.30
vincent.chappard@snecma.fr
Paris: 33.1.40.60.80.18
|
