In a surprise move, CFM International's TECH56 new technology development programme for the CFM56 is being pushed towards high-speed military designs and reusable launch vehicles.
Although originally launched in the 1990s to design and validate advanced technologies for the engine family and to provide the basis for a potential next-generation CFM56, the TECH56 effort continues to search for a home. "We don't see a new CFM engine out there yet because the market doesn't want it," says GE advanced engine programmes general manager Mike Benzakein.
"We think it could form the basic core for a high Mach number fighter and the basic core for a TBCC [turbine based combined cycle] propulsion system which could provide access to space," he says.
The TBCC is being considered alongside a rocket-based combined cycle (RBCC) alternative, with the winner expected to be selected for flight demonstration by 2010. NASA Glenn Research Center is leading the TBCC work under the Revolutionary Turbine Accelerator (RTA) programme. GE, Pratt & Whitney and Rolls-Royce have all made bids to build a mid-scale RTA demonstrator, while R-R and Williams are competing to build a small-scale flight test demonstrator. It is believed the GE bid is based heavily on the TECH56 derived core.
If TBCC is selected over RBCC, the engine could fly in 2009 in theX-43B. Even if RBCC is selected, however, the winning RTA contractor could benefit as the mid-scale demonstrator programme may lead to a powerplant for a long-range strike aircraft or a high-speed transport.
CFM tests of the advanced TECH56 six-stage high-pressure compressor are continuing with first run of Build III expected to take place by December.
Source: Flight International
