SWISSAIR HAS grounded five Airbus A320/321s after cracks were discovered in the turbine section of their CFM International CFM56-5B turbofans.
The grounding affects Swissair aircraft recently fitted with the low- emissions dual-annular combustor (DAC). The airline describes the move as precautionary.
The aircraft were withdrawn from service when cracks were detected in the turbine frame-strut situated close to the DAC.
CFM International is believed to be looking closely at the effects of the higher operating temperature of the DAC on the strut. The environmental performance of the DAC has been closely scrutinised since it was first installed on the Swissair fleet.
The availability of the system was the deciding factor in winning the Swissair deal against stiff competition from International Aero Engines with its V2500.
Source: Flight International
