Safran and GE's CFM-56 - The Accidental Engine

The story of the CFM-56 engine begins in 1970, in a cocktail lounge at Boston's Ritz-Carlton Hotel. Three French executives from Snecma (now Safran Aircraft Engines) approached GE Aerospace with a groundbreaking proposal: to collaborate on building a new turbofan engine for the single-aisle commercial jet market. After overcoming various obstacles, including US government approval, CFM International was officially established as a 50-50 joint venture in 1974.

Despite initial challenges in finding applications, the CFM56 engine eventually gained traction. United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Flying Tiger cargo line ordered the CFM56-2 to re-engine their McDonnell Douglas DC-8 aircraft, creating the "DC-8 Super 70" series. The US Air Force and French Air Force also selected the CFM56-2, designated F108 for military use, to re-engine their KC-135 refueling tankers.

Boeing chose the CFM56-3 as the sole power plant for its new 737-300, requiring innovative engineering to accommodate the engine's design. The CFM56-5A, introduced in 1988, was the first CFM engine with a full-authority digital electronic control system and powered the Airbus A320. The CFM56-5B powered the stretched A321, and the CFM56-7B powered Boeing's "Next-Generation" 737 series.

In 2008, CFM announced the LEAP-X engine development program and extended the joint venture to 2040. The LEAP-powered commercial flight took off in 2016 with Pegasus Airlines' Airbus A320neo. The LEAP engine family offered up to 20% improvement in fuel efficiency compared to prior-generation aircraft.

In 2021, the CFM56 engine family achieved its billionth flight hour and the RISE program was unveiled, aiming to develop technologies for at least 20% more fuel-efficient flight. Today, CFM International stands as the most prolific jet propulsion company in aviation history, with over 54,000 engines ordered and more than 42,500 delivered.

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#F108_engine #CFM-56_engine #Safran_Aircraft_Engines #GE_Aerospace #Airbus_A320 #Boeing_737 #LEAP_engine #turbofan_engine #aviation_history #CFM-56_engine_specifications #Airbus_A320_CFM-56_engine_performance #Boeing_737_LEAP_engine_comparison #Safran_and_GE_partnership #CFM-56_engine_maintenance_and_repair #LEAP_engine_technology #sustainable_aviation_initiatives #CFM-56_engine_history #CFM-56_engine_reliability #Airbus_A320neo_CFM-56_engine #RISE_Program #snecma

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