CFM International's advanced CFM56-5C/P engine for the Airbus A340-300 Enhanced flew for the first time on 19 November on an A340, marking the start of a 50h flight-test effort.
Certification of the -5C/P, designed to cut fuel consumption by 1% and provide a 13°C (55°F) increase in exhaust gas temperature (EGT) margin, is expected by the end of 2003. The engine option was launched earlier this year by South African Airways with an order for six -5C/P-powered A340-300s.
Improvements include three-dimensional aerodynamics in the high-pressure (HP) compressor, a new HP turbine design and other upgrades. The larger EGT margin is expected to cut maintenance costs by 10% compared with the current engine.
Source: Flight International
