ROSOBORONEXPORT AT DUBAI AIR SHOW 2009: NEW PROJECTS FOR ARAB COUNTRIES
November 17, 2009
During the “Dubai Air Show 2009” International aerospace exhibition (15-
19 November, UAE) Rosoboronexport’s delegation plans to discuss with its
partners new Russian proposals for strengthening national defences of a number of
the Gulf and Arabian peninsular countries.
“Dubai Air Show 2009 is an important venue for the world’s aerospace
industry, and our participation in it provides an excellent opportunity for us and
our partners to harmonise present-day and future arms sales projects including
joint production and research and development ones”, – said special projects
director Mikhail Zavaliy, the head of the Rosoboronexport delegation at the Dubai
airshow .
These days Russia, braving tough competition, is steadily increasing its
share in the Middle East arms markets. This is testified by the amounts of
contracts being realised. The United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Syria, Algeria,
Libya, Egypt – those are just a few examples of countries with which Russia has
been consistently developing mutually advantageous partnerships.
It plays an immensely positive role that our relationships with the Middle
East countries, including defence and security, have a rich, dozens-of-years old
history filled with many important events. Russian arms are generally reputed in
Arab countries as reliable and good-quality weapons that are combat ready even in
extreme conditions. It is a common belief here that Russian weapons of both
earlier and latest makes will long occupy leading positions in their classes as they have no analogues in
the world.
A number of existing and advanced samples of Russian weapons are showcased at the Dubai
airshow. The Russian exposition organized this year by the “Rostekhnologii” State Corporation accommodates stands with delegations of the FSUE “Rosoboronexport”, United industrial corporation “Oboronprom”,
JSC “Sukhoi experimental design bureau”, JSC “Russian aircraft corporation “MiG”, JSC “Irkut Corporation”, and other enterprises and organizations.
The FSUE “Rosoboronexport” presents at the show a wide range of Russian aircraft, armaments, air defence systems and other hightech products. It is a factor of increased attention paid to them by the countries in the region. A considerable interest is provoked by the latest models of Russian combat aircraft such as Su-35, Su-30MK2, MiG-35 and MiG-29SMT,
Yak-130 combat trainer, various types of Mil and Kamov helicopters, as well as air defence systems.
Special attention is paid to the Su-35 multi-role super-manoeuvrable fighter incorporating the 5th generation technologies that give it an edge over counterparts. The Su-35’s main distinctive features include an advanced avionics suite and a phased array radar with enhanced target detection range and a capability of tracking 30 targets while engaging eight of them. A new powerful
engine with thrust vector control makes the aircraft super-manoeuvrable. The aircraft can pose a serious threat to the enemy when performing air superiority and air-to-ground/air-to-surface strike missions in any weather by day and night
carrying stores on its 12 hardpoints: a combat payload of guided and unguided munitions weighing up to 8 tonnes.
The Yak-130 combat trainer to be inducted soon into the Russian Air Force for fighter pilots training,
including pilots of the newest Su-35 and MiG-35 aircraft, is scrutinized by arms procurement experts too. Thanks to its high flight performance data, reliable fly-by-wire flight control system and modern glass cabin, the Yak-130 combat trainer is an
efficient and safe training facility for learning to fly modern and prospective aircraft including those of non-Russian origin. This aircraft can be operated from unpaved airfields. Its service life counts 10,000 flight hours, and the airframe is
designed for at least 30-years operation. Besides, the Yak-130 can be employed to fly strike missions in low-intensity conflicts.
Great popularity is enjoyed by various Mi-type helicopters, such as combat transport Mi-35P and Mi-35M, military transport Mi-171Sh, and heavylift Mi-26 boasting the world’s best load-carrying capacity.
The Ka-52 “Alligator” Russian combat helicopter also stirs up huge interest. Its flight crew can not only engage helicopter’s huge combat potential but also provide interoperating airborne and ground strike systems with target
acquisition and designation data, including laser designation. The Alligator is Yak-130
equipped with advanced systems providing target acquisition and designation, and automatic low-altitude flight capabilities. Besides, the Ka-52 helicopter can be used to train pilots and maintain their flight proficiency, thus excluding the
need for a dedicated training helicopter analogue.
Specialists and guests visiting the show will also be able to familiarise themselves with various
Kamov-family helicopters such as the Ka-31 radar picket helicopter, Ka-28 ASW helicopter, Ka-29 shipborne
combat transport helicopter, Ka-27PS ship-borne SAR helicopter, and Ka-32 multi-purposehelicopter.
Traditionally Russia holds strong positions as regards air defence systems. Nowadays when the role of combat aviation and high-precision weapons in modern war conflicts is ever growing and air defences are also seen as
increasingly important, assets presented at the Dubai airshow can be used to set up an integrated air defence system providing interception at different altitudes and ranges of both conventional air targets and non-strategic ballistic missiles.
The latest S-400 “Triumph” air defence missile system is one of the most effective arms designed to defeat all types of existing and prospective air strike weapons. Air defence missile complexes making up the “Triumph” system can
engage aerodynamic targets at a range of up to 250 km, and ballistic targets – up to 60 km, at an altitude of up to 27 km. They can be integrated into any air defence system structure. The same applies, for instance, to the “Pantsyr-S1” air
defence missile-gun system capable of engaging targets having minimal radar cross sections.
Attention of high-ranking officers and experts will undoubtedly be drawn to the “Buk-M2E” medium-range and “Tor-M2E” short-range air defence missile systems. These unique Russian weapon systems in combination with
modern reconnaissance means can lay the foundation for setting up a highly effective anti-air and ballistic missile defence system responsive to modern threats in any Middle East country.
Other areas of eventual military-technical cooperation also will be discussed in Dubai. The FSUE Rosoboronexport will present
to its partners high-precision air-toair/ air-to-surface guided missiles and gliding bombs, a wide range of
radars and targeting systems, navigation and flight control systems, communication and life support equipment, as well as training aids that help reduce specialist training durationby 1.5 to 2 times, training costs by many times, and saves service life of
expensive materiel.
During talks special emphasis will be made on upgrading materiel supplied earlier, setting up technical centres, and organising a comprehensive post-sale servicing system. Potential customers can be offered flexible accounting conditions.
“The Middle East arms market has large capacity and remains the most important for Russia”, – pointed out the head of Rosoboronexport’s delegation Mikhail Zavaliy. – This is why our relations with Arab partners have a very wide
range from aircraft to air defence systems to space technologies where Russia owns all required technologies and resources”.
Rosoboronexport is the only Russian enterprise entitled to offer for export the whole range of military and dual-purpose products, technologies and services. The status of the Enterprise warrants state support for all export transactions.
Rosoboronexport is among leading companies at the world arms market, accounting for more than 80% of Russia’s military-purpose equipment exports. Russia maintains military-technical cooperation with more than 70 countries all
over the world.
Rosoboronexport highly values its reputation of a reliable partner, and
strictly abides by the letter and spirit of Russia’s international commitments in
military and political, including arms control, areas.
Comlux Purchases Third Challenger 605 Jet
November 17, 2009
• Comlux VIP fleet features eleven Bombardier business aircraft
Dubai, UAE, Nov. 15, 2009 – Bombardier announced today that Comlux Management AG
signed a firm order for a Challenger 605 jet.
Fly Comlux, the VIP charter division of Comlux, currently operates a modern fleet featuring a
total of eleven Bombardier business aircraft – including three Challenger 605, two
Challenger 850, two Global 5000, two Global Express and two Global Express XRS jets.
“Comlux successfully began six years ago with the Challenger 604 jet. Today, the addition of a
new Challenger 605 aircraft to our fleet supports our main objective of always operating brand
new aircraft, offering the best value for money to our VIP clients,” says Stephen Laven, CEO,
Fly Comlux. “The aircraft will be operated from our facility in Kazakhstan. From Central Asia, it
will be ideally placed to serve the European destinations and the growing charter market in
Asia.”
Comlux is a leading worldwide VIP charter services operator with offices in Zurich, Moscow, and
Almaty specializing in widebody, long-range aircraft operations. Comlux offers its customers a
comprehensive set of services including aircraft management, sales and acquisitions, cabin
design, completion, and maintenance services.
“We are delighted with this Challenger 605 jet order, which further underlines Comlux’s
confidence in Bombardier and our widebody aircraft product portfolio,” observed Bob Horner,
senior vice president, Sales, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “Challenger 600 series jets are the
definitive market leaders in the large aircraft segment worldwide. Challenger 605 jets continue
to exemplify the proven reliability of this winning aircraft platform.”
Challenger 605: In service since January 2007, the Challenger 605 jet features the widest
stand-up cabin of any large category business jet available today. It is equipped with the
Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics suite and an all new cabin electronic system.
Optional equipment on the Challenger 605 aircraft includes the Bombardier Enhanced Vision
System (BEVS), providing pilots with significantly improved situational awareness and the ability
2
to observe runway lights and the runway environment in difficult operating conditions, such as
low visibility and or darkness.
From left to right: Christophe Pelet, Head of Comlux Transactions, Ray Jones, vicepresident,
international sales, Bombardier Business Aircraft, Ettore Rodaro, Chief
Commercial Officer, Comlux, Vladimir Kim, Chairman, Kazakhmys, Richard Gaona,
President and CEO, Comlux.
IBERIA TO MAINTAIN DHL’S B-757 FLEET
November 17, 2009
Iberia Maintenance has signed an agreement with Deutsche Post DHL under which the Spanish airline will conduct line maintenance on their fleet of Boeing B-757 freighter aircraft in Spain, operating from the cities of Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, and Vitoria.
The three-year contract extends Iberia’s services beyond the exclusive maintenance of 80 Rolls Royce RB211 engines for the transportation operator, under a 10-year contract signed in May of this year.
DHL Air Ltd, based in the East Midlands, U.K., and European Air Transport, based in Brussels, Belgium, between them operate a total of 34 Boeing B757 aircraft to more than 50 cities in DHL Express’s parcel and logistics (?)network.
Iberia Maintenance is a division of Iberia Airlines, whose hub and key installations are located at Madrid-Barajas airport. At the division’s large, modern and well-equipped facilities, it maintains Iberia’s aircraft, engines, and components, while also serving more than 100 outside clients, including such leading international airlines as British Airways, Continental Airlines, Atlasjet, Meridiana, and Air Finlandia, as well as the Spanish carriers Iberworld, Air Europa, Spanair, and Vueling.
Iberia Maintenance is the world’s ninth-largest aircraft maintenance operator, and in 2008 it posted revenues of 700 million euros.
IBERIA FIRMA UN ACUERDO PARA EL MANTENIMIENTO DE LA FLOTA B-757 DE DHL
November 17, 2009
Iberia Mantenimiento ha firmado un acuerdo con DHL por el que se encargará de la revisión y mantenimiento en línea de su flota de aviones B-757 que operan en España, concretamente en las ciudades de Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Sevilla y Vitoria.
Este contrato tendrá una duración de tres años y supone la ampliación de los servicios de mantenimiento que Iberia ya realiza en exclusiva a los 80 motores Rolls Royce, tipo RB211, de la compañía de transporte, tras el contrato de que se firmó en mayo de 2008 y cuya vigencia es de diez años.
DHL Air Ltd, con sede en el aeropuerto de East Midlands en el Reino Unido, y European Air Transport, con base en Bruselas, Bélgica, operan treinta y cuatro aviones que viajan a más de 50 ciudades en toda la red de distribución de paquetería y mercancía de DHL Express.
Por su parte, Iberia Mantenimiento es la división de mantenimiento de Iberia Líneas Aéreas de España, con su sede y sus instalaciones principales en el aeropuerto de Madrid-Barajas. Desde sus amplias, modernas y totalmente equipadas instalaciones, mantiene toda la flota de Iberia y cubre el mantenimiento tanto de la estructura como de los motores y componentes. Además de a Iberia, da servicio a más de 100 clientes en todo el mundo, entre los que se encuentran importantes aerolíneas extranjeras como British Airways, Continental Airlines, Atlasjet, Meridiana, o Air Finlandia, entre otras, así como numerosas compañías españolas como Iberworld, Air Europa, Spanair o Vueling.
Además, hoy Iberia Mantenimiento es la novena empresa de mantenimiento a nivel mundial con unos ingresos de 700 millones de euros en 2008.
* Al pinchar aquí se pueden descargar fotos en alta calidad sobre Iberia Mantenimiento.
Comlux orders 10th Airbus corporate jet
November 17, 2009
Comlux has ordered a third Airbus’ Corporate Jetliner (ACJ), taking its total orders for Airbus corporate jets to ten aircraft – 4 A318s, 3 Airbus ACJs, 2 A320 Prestiges and one A330-200 Prestige – and making it the largest Airbus ACJ Family customer.
Some of the aircraft are managed for private customers and some are used to provide VVIP charters – as will the newly ordered aircraft.
“With this acquisition, Fly Comlux confirms its leading position in the top-end charter business,” says Richard Gaona, President and CEO of Comlux The Aviation Group. “The aircraft will be equipped with CFM International CFM56-5 engines, will be outfitted in our completion centre in Indianapolis with a cabin designed by Comlux Creatives, and confirms our global strategy to be a player in almost all business aviation sectors,” he adds.
A Comlux Airbus ACJ for VVIP charters is currently on display at the Dubai show.
“Comlux is one of the largest providers of VVIP charters at the top end of the market, a sector that continues to have good demand today,” comments Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers John Leahy. “Quality will always be in demand, and combining Comlux’s VVIP service with the space and comfort of Airbus corporate jets is a winning combination,” he adds.
Airbus’ ACJ Family – comprising the A318 Elite, ACJ and A320 Prestige – has the widest, tallest and nicest cabin in its class, delivering almost twice the cabin-width of even the largest traditional business jets from other manufacturers.
As part of the world’s most modern airliner product-line, the Airbus ACJ Family is the only one that is truly young at heart throughout, with the newest fuel-saving aerodynamic design, the latest weight-saving structure, and reliable state-of-the-art systems and controls throughout – including the new industry standard, fly-by-wire.
The Airbus ACJ Family is complemented by VIP versions of the company’s widebodies, which offer even more space and comfort, as well as “non-stop to the world” range.
More than 160 Airbus corporate jets have been sold worldwide, comprising over 100 A318 Elites, ACJs and A320 Prestiges, plus around 50 VIP and government widebodies.
WINGS AIR increases ATR 72-500 order to 15 aircraft
November 17, 2009
Indonesia’s carrier WINGS AIR, -a subsidiary of Indonesian largest private carrier LION AIR-, and ATR today announced the signature of a contract for the purchase of 15 ATR 72-500s, with options for 15 ATR 72-600s series aircraft. This order, which was initially announced in November 2008 as an MoU for 10 firm ATR 72-500s plus options for 10 additional ATR72-500/600s, has now been increased by 5 firm and 5 option aircraft. The total amount of the agreement, including options, is valued at some US $ 600 million.
These 72-seat aircraft will enable WINGS AIR to become the launch customer for the ATR 72-500s in Indonesia and the largest ATR operator in the country. The aircraft, powered by PW 127M engines, are to be delivered between 2009 and 2011.
The entry into service of these aircraft will also enable WINGS AIR to consolidate its leading position in the rapidly developing domestic market in Indonesia, and to develop feeder routes to serve its mainline jet network. In addition, the new ATR fleet operated by WINGS AIR will also provide new services to local communities that were often not benefitting from regular airline service in the past. The ATR 72-500s operated by WINGS AIR will also replace routes currently operated with MD 80 and B-737-300/400 and increase frequencies on existing routes operated with B-737-900ER.
Commenting on the signature of this new contract, Rusdi Kirana, the Chairman of WINGS AIR and Chief Executive Officer of LION AIR, declared: “We are pleased to further develop our partnership with ATR. The new fleet of ATR 72-500s will enable WINGS AIR to expand our domestic network in Indonesia with the most fuel efficient regional aircraft”. He added: “The dependable support organization of ATR in South East Asia, coupled with the success of their aircraft in our region, are two major factors in our decision to introduce them in Indonesia.” He concluded: “Thanks to the low operating and maintenance costs of the ATRs, we will be able to offer the best fares to our passengers”.
Stéphane Mayer, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, declared: “With the signature of this new contract, WINGS AIR will become one of our largest clients in South East Asia, a region which has been particularly fruitful for ATR in the last years, where some 70 ATRs are being operated daily”. He added: “The ATR 72-500s are optimally suited to meet the expectations of WINGS AIR in terms of providing high-quality service and comfort to their passengers. They will also provide efficient air transportation to smaller communities by offering regular air connectivity to more remote areas in Indonesia. We are honored to contribute to the development of the domestic passenger network in Indonesia.”
DAE Places $270 Million CFM56-5B Engine Order to Power 20 New Airbus A320s
November 17, 2009
DUBAI, U.A.E. – 16 November 2009 – Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) has selected CFM56-5B engines to power 20 new Airbus A320 family aircraft. The engine order is valued at approximately $270 million U.S. at list price and DAE is scheduled to begin taking delivery in early 2011. These 20 aircraft are part of a 70-aircraft order the leasing company announced in July 2008.
George Mushahwar, Acting Chief Executive Officer, DAE Group said: “DAE aims to deliver superior service and quality to its customers and achieve its business objectives by working with the leading manufacturers in the sector. With this order, we continue our commitment to excellence in technology, quality and lifecycle costs across our fleet.”
“We are excited to build on our previous order of 70 CFM56-7B powered B737NG aircraft, as we continue to achieve our vision of actively growing our world wide leasing business.” Said Bob Genise, chief executive officer of DAE.
“We are delighted to be able to offer the unrivalled CFM56-5B for DAE’s A320 fleet,” said David Joyce, President and CEO of CFM parent company GE Aviation. “We are confident that the reliability and lower overall cost of ownership of our engine will prove to be a significant asset to DAE’s customers.”
All of DAE’s CFM56-5B engines are of the Tech Insertion configuration. This configuration was introduced in September 2007 and, to date, the fleet of over 800 engines in service worldwide has logged nearly 2 million flight hours and more than 1 million flight cycles without a single engine-related event.
CFM56 Tech Insertion provides operators with a 1 percent improvement in fuel consumption over the life of the product, compared to the base CFM56-5B engine. This lower fuel consumption also significantly lowers CO2 emissions. Improved analytic design tools have also enabled CFM to further optimize the Tech Insertion combustor such that it emits 25 percent lower NOx emissions. As a result, the engine meets the current International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Committee of Aviation Environment Protection standards (CAEP /6) that took effect in early 2008.
Over the engine’s life cycle, Tech Insertion will also provide operators with longer time on wing and will lower maintenance costs between five and 12 percent, depending on the thrust rating. These benefits are achieved through improvements to the high-pressure compressor and the high- and low-pressure turbines.
CFM56-5B engines are a product of CFM International, a 50/50 joint company between Snecma (SAFRAN Group) and General Electric Company.
Yemenia Airlines to acquire 10 Airbus A320s
November 17, 2009
Adding flexibility to the fleet
Yemenia, the official carrier of the state of Yemen, based in Sanaa, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for 10 Airbus A320 Family aircraft. The agreement was signed at the 2009 Dubai Airshow by Saleh Alawaji, Yemenia Member of the board of directors on behalf of Captain Abdulkhalek Al-Kadi, Chairman of Yemenia and John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer, Customers.
Yemenia’s A320s will be configured in a comfortable two-class configuration with seating for 12 passengers in Business Class and 138 in Economy. The aircraft will be deployed to enhance and expand services on regional, African, Indian and European routes. It will enable Yemenia to demonstrate its role as a growing regional carrier and contributor to the growth of Yemen’s economy.
Saleh Alawaji, said: “Our long term strategy is to grow with an integrated fleet of super efficient and reliable aircraft. The A320 shares operational and maintenance commonality with our existing Airbus’, and will bring added efficiencies. The A320 will also offer our passengers the best cabin comfort in its class.”
“We are honoured Yemenia is showing such confidence in our aircraft, and has chosen our products to springboard their ambitious expansion plans. The A320 is today’s standard in the Single-Aisle market and through our continuous innovations we are strengthening the aircraft’s leadership position for the future. The A320 is better by design and still keeps getting better,” said John Leahy. “With its choice, Yemenia will benefit from Airbus’ family concept which highlights eco-efficiency and streamlines maintenance and operations,” he added.
Yemenia’s fleet includes two A330-200s and three A310s. Sanaa and Aden based, Yemenia’s long haul fleet, operate to destinations in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. During the 2007 Dubai airshow, Yemenia placed an order with Airbus for ten Airbus A350 XWB.
The A320 Family, which includes the A318, A319, A320 and A321, is recognized as the benchmark single-aisle aircraft family. Each aircraft features fly by wire controls and all share a unique cockpit and operational commonality across the range. Around 6,400 Airbus A320 Family aircraft have been sold and more than 3,900 delivered to some 300 customers and operators worldwide, making it the world’s best selling commercial jetliner ever. With proven reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 Family has the lowest operating costs of any single aisle aircraft. Uniquely, the A320 Family offers a containerized cargo system, which is compatible with the worldwide standard wide-body system.
Cessna Rolls Out First Production Citation CJ4
November 17, 2009
WICHITA, Kan., Nov. 16, 2009 Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today celebrated as the first production Citation CJ4 rolled off the assembly line at the company’s primary design and manufacturing facilities in Wichita.
The first production unit will now go to paint and interiors, while three flight test aircraft continue to work toward type certification. Federal Aviation Administration certification is the final stages with deliveries starting in the first half of 2010.
The Citation CJ4 also offers an extensive standard equipment list including a four-screen Collins Pro Line 21 avionics suite with electronic charts and graphical weather, TCAS II, EGPWS Class A TAWS, Dual Mode S Diversity transponders with ADS-B out capability, Multi-Scan weather radar, Emergency Descent Mode, and an essential electrical bus.
The aircraft will also debut the new Williams International FJ44-4A electronically controlled (FADEC) engines. The cabin can be configured for up to eight passengers, plus a standard, belted aft lavatory. The Citation CJ4 also features the Rockwell Collins Venue cabin management system that includes BluRay DVD with HD monitors and XM radio.
To date, the CJ4 test aircraft have flown more than 1,000 flights and accumulated more than 1,600 flight hours.
LEAP eCore 1 Successfully Completes First Phase of Testing
November 16, 2009
DUBAI, U.A.E. — November 15, 2009 — The first core of CFM International’s advanced LEAP-X development program, eCore 1, has successfully completed the first phase of testing in a special altitude test chamber at GE Aviation facilities in Evendale, Ohio. The core, which began testing on schedule on June 12, 2009, ran for approximately 35 hours.
LEAP-X is the new centerline engine being developed to power the next-generation of short-to-medium range aircraft likely to enter the market in the next decade. The first full demonstrator engine is scheduled to run in 2012, and LEAP-X could be certified by 2016.
”For this first phase, we focused on the combustor and the high-pressure turbine,” said Ron Klapproth, LEAP program director for CFM International. “And we couldn’t be happier with the results. The hardware met all of our expectations and then some. Now, we going to focus on the high-pressure compressor.”
The heavily instrumented core, which is scheduled to go back on test in early 2010, tests approximately 2,000 different engine parameters. The unique core test facility allows CFM to put the hardware through its paces by simulating both ground and altitude conditions over a much greater operating range than could be conducted with a full engine test. It allows engineers to see how the core behaves outside of standard operating conditions at extremes the hardware would never encounter in typical commercial airline service.
“Our engines operate an average eight to 10 cycles per day and, in that environment, reliability simply cannot be compromised,” said Klapproth. “That is why we will be running multiple core tests over the next few years. We will complete these tests well in advance of the earliest entry into service to ensure our customers that we will provide their operators with absolutely the highest levels of reliability from day one. “
The current test program focuses on aerodynamic performance parameters; the aeromechanical properties of the blades and how they respond to vibration and natural frequencies; and operability to ensure the engine maintains the CFM reputation for stall-free operation. All of the data collected from these tests will feed into eCore 2, which features a two-stage turbine and is on schedule to get ground tests in mid-2011.
Another technology highlight of the revolutionary LEAP-X engine include the 3-D Woven Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) composite fan and case.
This Snecma proprietary technology has been under development for several years and will dramatically reduce engine weight while providing a more durable blade. In January 2009, CFM initiated ground test of a full-scale RTM fan installed on a CFM56-5C engine. The program, dubbed MASCOT (Moteur à Aubes de Soufflante en COmposite Taille), is validating this revolutionary technology in a CFM-sized fan.
At Snecma facilities in Villaroche, France, the MASCOT engine completed aerodynamic and performance testing before going to Peebles. It has successfully completed extensive crosswind testing and is currently undergoing acoustics testing to measure noise levels under various operating conditions.
The engine has been returned to France and is scheduled to begin a grueling 5,000-cycle endurance test in early 2010.
Results to date are very positive and are inline with pre-test expectation and CFM will continue to refine and test various blade designs to identify the optimum configuration for the first LEAP-X demo engine test in 2012. 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.
The goals for LEAP-X include reducing the engine contribution to aircraft fuel burn by up to 16 percent compared to current CFM56 Tech Insertion engines that power Airbus A320 and Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. Additional fuel burn improvements will be achieved once this engine is paired with new aircraft technology. This will bring a comparable improvement in CO2 emissions. LEAP-X is also being designed to reduced NOx emissions by 50 – 60 percent compared to the current International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) CAEP 6 limits. The incorporation of advanced composite materials and alloys will help reduce engine weight and contribute to the lower fuel burn.
The foundation of the LEAP-X engine is heavily rooted in advanced aerodynamics, environmental, and materials technology development programs. In addition to Snecma’s RTM fan, GE has been developing Ceramic Matrix Composite (CMC) technology for more than 25 years. This ultra-light-weight material can support the extremely high temperatures found in the high-pressure turbine.
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