Safran subsidiary Aircelle has delivered a nacelle demonstrator designed to evaluate potential noise reduction and enhancements to aircraft efficiency.
The nacelle, which has been developed in co-operation with Safran's Snecma division, is part of Aircelle's Nacelle Innovative and Acoustic Demonstrator (NAIAD) project started three years ago. It features an all-composite laminar-flow air inlet plus special acoustic treatment on interior surfaces, and components produced with new manufacturing processes such as thermoplastic forming.
Aircelle says the demonstrator will be tested later this year at Snecma's facility in Villaroche, followed by outdoor testing next year in Peebles, Ohio by Snecma's partner in the CFM International joint venture, General Electric.
This testing of the NAIAD nacelle will be conducted with the Mascot full-scale demonstrator for the CFM Leap-X powerplant, being developed to replace the CFM56 family.
Source: Flight International
