CFM International has confirmed the maiden test flight of its Leap engine family, beginning with a configuration to be used exclusively by the Leap-1C on the Comac C919.
The test flight, to validate aerodynamics and mechanical items, took place on 6 October using a Boeing 747 testbed at Victorville in California.
CFM says an analysis of the engine’s performance during the flight – which lasted nearly 3h – showed that it “behaved well” and that the test was “very successful”.
The testbed will be used for the Leap-1A and -1B variants of the engine, for the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 Max respectively.
But CFM says the configuration currently being tested comprises a “fully integrated propulsion system” which, it states, is unique to the Leap-1C.
Further testing steps will include examining stall margins, economic performance and assessing acoustics.
Chief test pilot Steven Crane says the powerplant “behaved like a real veteran”. He says the flight-test information shows the “benefits” the engine has obtained from General Electric GEnx technology.
Both the Leap-1C and -1A are “on track” for certification next year, says CFM. The test programme will cover 28 engines for ground and flight tests directly for the manufacturer, while 32 engines will be used for flight tests on behalf of the three airframers.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
