CFM International LEAP
| LEAP | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Mockup of a LEAP-X, the early code name of the engine | |
| Type | Turbofan |
| National origin | France/United States |
| Manufacturer | CFM International |
| First run | 4 September 2013 (LEAP-1A) 13 June 2014 (LEAP-1B) 9 October 2014 (LEAP-1C) |
| Major applications |
Airbus A320neo family Boeing 737 MAX Comac C919 |
| Number built | 20+ |
| Unit cost | $13.9 million USD |
| Developed from | General Electric GEnx |
The CFM International LEAP is a high-bypass turbofan engine. It is produced by CFM International, a 50-50 joint venture company between GE Aviation of the United States and Safran Aircraft Engines (formerly known as Snecma) of France. It is a modernized replacement for the successful CFM International CFM56, intended to compete with the Pratt & Whitney PW1000G in the single-aisle jetliner market.
The LEAP's basic architecture includes a scaled-up version of Safran's low pressure turbine used on the GEnX engine. The fan has flexible blades manufactured by a process, which are designed to untwist as the fan's rotational speed increases. While the LEAP is designed to operate at a higher pressure than the CFM56 (which is partly why it is more efficient), GE plans to set the operating pressure lower than the maximum in order to maximize the engine's service life and reliability. Currently proposed for the LEAP is a greater use of composite materials, a blisk fan in the compressor, a second-generation Twin Annular Pre Swirl (TAPS II) combustor, and a bypass ratio around 10-11:1. GE is using ceramic matrix composites (CMC) to build the turbine shrouds.
These technological advances are projected to produce 16% lower fuel consumption. Reliability is also supported by use of an eductor-based oil cooling system similar to that of the GenX, featuring coolers mounted on the inner lining of the fan duct. According to Aviation Week's article, "The eductor device produces a venturi effect, which ensures a positive pressure to keep oil in the lower internal sump." The engine has some of the first FAA-approved 3D-printed components.
The LEAP ("Leading Edge Aviation Propulsion") incorporates technologies that CFM developed as part of the LEAP56 technology acquisition program, which CFM launched in 2005. The engine was officially launched as LEAP-X on 13 July 2008. It is intended to be a successor to the CFM56-5B and CFM56-7B.
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