CFM Aero Engines has announced the introduction of a new High-Pressure Turbine (HPT) blade for their CFM56 family engines.
Designed to enhance durability of both the CFM56-5B and CFM56-7B engines, CFM have been clear in their announcement it builds on previous wins for the series:
The new blade design leverages millions of hours of engine field data. Updates include increased wall thickness, optimized dovetail loading, and tightened manufacturing tolerances.
The blade maintains the fuel burn benefit achieved with CFM56 Tech Insertion blade configurations launched in 2007.
Optimising on wing time with upgraded HPT blades
“These upgraded CFM56-5B/-7B HPT blades are designed to keep our customers flying with OEM parts they know and trust,” said Jacey Welsh, CFM executive vice president – CFM56 at GE Aerospace.
“Many of our customers are transitioning their narrowbody fleets and the new CFM56 HPT blade can help them to extend time on-wing to optimize cost of ownership and enhance the residual value of their engines.”
“We are also providing attractive upgrade options to customers operating older CFM56 configurations.”
The new HPT blades are being produced in Greenville, South Carolina.
This state-of-the-art GE Aerospace facility, with 250 employees, has manufactured HPT blades for a diverse portfolio of commercial and military engines for more than a decade.
On average, the site ships 1,000 parts per day, 5,000 part per week and 250,000 parts per year.
Power to both Boeing and Airbus fleets
CFM has more than 600 operators as customers, with more than 33,000 engines delivered to date it provides a significant option for the market to update on these uprated parts.
Currently the CFM56-5B with a 27,980 – 30,000 pounds of thrust rating powers both the Airbus A320ceo and A321ceo.
In the 23,000 – 28,000 lb/thrust configuration it powers the Airbus A319ceo. Configured for 24,500-32,900 lb/thrust it is available in the Airbus A318ceo.
The CFM56-7B exclusively powers the 737 Next-Generation series of single-aisle airliners, with more than 15,000 CMF56-7B’s having being delivered to date for the 737 NG line.
The 737 Next-Generation has the CFM56-7B in the 24,500 – 32,900 lb/thrust configuration. Furthermore the military derivatives have a slightly different thrust configuration.
In Boeing AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning & Control) setup the CFM56-7B gives out 23,000-28,000 pounds of thrust.
It’s other military cousin, the Boeing P-8 Poseidon, is configured to give a slightly higher output. With a rated power of 27,980 to 30,000 pounds of thrust.
Increasing dispatch reliability
“With more than 1.2 billion engine flight hours logged, the CFM56 engine delivers for our customers 24/7, 365 days a year.” Said Jérôme Morhet, CFM executive vice president at Safran Aircraft Engines.
“We continue to invest in both product and support upgrades for this fleet. With the introduction of the new HPT blade, we are focused on building inventory to support our customers’ future shop visits.”
Talking of the programme as a whole CFM claim:
“CFM engines are designed, tested, and certified at the engine operating system level, ensuring optimized system and product performance.”
“The CFM56-5B and -7B have a world-class dispatch reliability rate of 99.98%.”
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