Page 18 - AAA March / April 2023 Latest Magazine | GBP

CFM is targeting to have a potential next-gen-
eration commercial aircraft engine available
by the mid-2030s. The demonstrator pro-
gramme is focused on advanced technologies
like open fan architecture, hybrid electric
capability, electrified engine accessories, and
hydrogen propulsion. Technologies matured
as part of the RISE programme will serve as
the foundation of a next-generation CFM
engine, which would also be 100 percent
compatibility with alternative energy sources
such as Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and
hydrogen. To attain the required propulsive
efficiency for the engine, CFM is banking on
an open fan architecture, which it says is a key
enabler to achieving significantly improved
fuel efficiency while delivering the same speed
and cabin experience as current single-aisle
aircraft.
propulsion system has faced durability issues, extended mainte-
Engine efficiency will be further optimised by nance and a shortage of spare engines. The GTF engine however,
use of hybrid electric capability to optimize has delivered on its promise of industry-leading fuel-efficiency
engine efficiency while enabling electrifi- and sustainability benefits. GTF-powered aircraft can reduce fuel
cation of many aircraft systems. The joint consumption and CO2 emissions by 16 per cent to 20 per cent,
GE/Safran engineering team has also laid NOx emissions by 50 per cent and noise footprint by 75 per cent.
out a comprehensive technology roadmap GTF engines in service has saved airlines more than 800 million
including composite fan blades, heat resis- gallons of fuel and over 8 million metric tons of CO2 since its
tant metal alloys, ceramic matrix composites entry into service in January of 2016. The engine’s revolutionary
(CMCs), hybrid electric capability and additive geared fan architecture will remain the foundation for more
manufacturing. Over the course of the RISE sustainable aviation technologies in the decades ahead, such
programme, the joint GE/Safran engineering as the GTF Advantage.
team will undertake more than 300 separate
component, module and full engine builds. The GTF Advantage configuration includes technology enhance-
ments throughout the engine core and is slated be available
In December 2022, the FADEC Alliance—a for A320neo family aircraft from January 2024 and will deliver
joint venture that includes GE, BAE Systems, a fuel-efficiency improvement of one per cent. It will deliver
and Safran Electronics & Defence (Safran) overall fuel consumption and CO2 emission reductions of 17
announced that it would design and develop per cent as compared to previous-generation engines such as
the electronic control system architecture the International Aero Engines (IAE) V2500. The GTF Advantage
for the RISE demonstrator programme. The engine will replace the GTF engine in production and will also
FADEC Alliance will support the maturation of be fully interchangeable with engines already delivered. Airlines
new technologies for future engines, to reduce will also be able to operate their A320neos with one engine of
fuel consumption and emissions, as part of each configuration with Pratt & Whitney’s advanced software
the advanced technology programme. making this a seamless affair for pilots in the cockpit.
The electronic control system architecture Raytheon Technologies announced in December, that it had com-
and requirements for the demonstrator, pleted the first successful engine run of its regional hybrid-electric
along with multiple subsystems will be devel- flight demonstrator. “Hybrid-electric propulsion technology offers
oped by the FADEC Alliance. The work will be significant potential to optimize efficiency across a range of differ-
divided into two programme phases. Phase ent aircraft applications, helping our industry meet its ambitious
1 will focus on an expanded control system goal for achieving net zero CO2 emissions,” said Jean Thomassin,
to accommodate new interfaces associated executive director new products and services, Pratt & Whitney
with an open fan concept, while Phase 2 will Canada. A De Havilland Canada Dash 8-100 aircraft is being
address key aspects of the engine’s advanced modified by Flight Test Centre of Excellence (Cert Center Canada
systems. - 3C) to serve as the platform for future flight demonstrations,
which are targeted to begin next year. A hybrid-electric power-
Pratt & Whitney train, battery system, and high voltage electrical harness will be
integrated into 3C’s Dash 8 research aircraft.
Pratt & Whitney’s GTF engine has been mired
in difficulties and the industry’s only geared The propulsion system fully integrates a 1 MW electric motor

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