The CFM56-5B acoustic upgrade package for the Airbus A321 is on schedule for certification by Europe's JAA by the end of the year. The hardware will be available to customers in early 2004.
CFM56-5B engines, which power the Airbus A318, A319, A320 and A321, are produced by CFM International (CFM), a 50/50 joint company between Snecma Moteurs and General Electric.
Regulations
CFM and Airbus defined the acoustic package to ensure this aircraft/engine combination will operate well within proposed limits.
The upgrade kit, which includes a core chevron nozzle and improved reverser treatment in the nacelle, was designed to reduce noise levels to 10 EPNdB (effective perceived noise in decibels) below FAR 36 Stage 3 noise limits.
During the Airbus flight test programme recently conducted on an A321, the upgraded propulsion system achieved design intent and as a result will meet, with significant margin, the new noise regulations taking effect in January 2006.
Source: Flight Daily News
