Following certification earlier this month, the first Airbus A340-300 powered by the CFM56-5C/P has been delivered to Swiss International Airlines.
South African Airways is on schedule to take delivery of the first CFM56-5C/P-powered Airbus A340 Enhanced in February 2004.
The CFM56-5C, which powers the Airbus A340-200, -300 and Enhanced, is produced by CFM, a 50/50 joint company between Snecma Moteurs and General Electric, the world's leading supplier of commercial aircraft engines.
Programme
South African Airways launched the CFM56-5C/P programme in early 2002 with an order for six aircraft.
Swiss International Airlines has ordered 12 aircraft.
The engine was developed for both the A340 Enhanced aircraft and as an upgrade package for current CFM56-5C4 operators.
Upgrade kits will be available by mid-2004. CFM sees a potential market for 500 engines/upgrade kits.
The -5C/P incorporates the advanced 3-D aerodynamic technology originally developed for the CFM56-5B/P, including the high-pressure compressor and high-pressure turbine design.
Additional improvements have also been incorporated into the high-pressure turbine to enhance durability.
Operators
Overall, the CFM56-5C/P provides operators a 1% improvement in specific fuel consumption and a 13°C improvement in exhaust gas temperature (EGT).
This added margin will translate to 10% lower maintenance costs through longer time on wing.
CFM has completed back-to-back engines tests with an overhauled CFM56-5C engine that verified the benefits of the upgrade kit for current A340 operators.
The engine maintains the CFM56-5C noise signature, which is the quietest in its class.
The CFM56-5C-powered A340 meets all current noise regulations with a cumulative margin of 23 EPNdB (effective perceived noise in decibels).
The CFM56-5C/P becomes the production configuration in 2004.
Source: Flight Daily News
