Manufacturer positions for A320 and 737 replacements as CFMI launches Leap56
Pratt & Whitney has revealed plans to take the initiative in the race to power the next generation of narrowbody airliners by conducting demonstrations of a geared turbofan (GTF) engine based on the PW6000 core in 2008, in association with Boeing and NASA. “We’ve already had discussions with Boeing on a next-generation aircraft,” says P&W president Louis Chenevert, who adds: “They’re looking at applying 787 technology – more electrics and composite technology. I’m sure they’re going to do it.”
Although Chenevert says the company’s main route to market remains through International Aero Engines (IAE), he warns that “if for whatever reason it was decided it was not the way of the future we’d be ready to go it alone. We believe we have the processes in plan to shorten the time to market considerably, and be in-service within 36 months of launch.”
Although Boeing is thought to be planning a further stage of its ongoing Quiet Technology Demonstrator (QTD) programme for around 2008, it is not yet known if the newly revealed P&W initiative is connected.
Given P&W’s long-standing determination to introduce geared fan technology, and its equally determined attitude to be on the next generation Airbus and Boeing airliners with or without IAE, it is not yet clear how this new revelation will affect the relationship with Rolls-Royce and the other IAE shareholders. For the moment IAE president Mark King believes the abortive link on a new engine for Bombardier’s proposed C-Series has taught valuable lessons for the future. “We have a process and we’re still very clearly focused on what Boeing and Airbus may do.” He adds that IAE “will need a game-changing engine and is looking at all architectures. We’re confident we’ll have something we can put together and do it quickly.”
CFM International has also sharpened its focus on the future by launching the Leap56 (for leading-edge aviation propulsion) programme – a broad-based technology initiative modelled on the successful Tech56 effort. “With Leap56, we have started the fundamental technology work that will position CFM in the market for the next 30 years and beyond,” says CFMI president Pierre Fabre.
The project aims to dramatically reduce noise, as well as cut fuel burn by 10% and maintenance costs by around 25%.
Source: Flight International
