Farnborough Air Show: CFM International launches NexGen LEAP-X engine programme

GE and Safran Group joint venture, CFM International said it has launched a new-generation power plant, the LEAP-X, designed for the successors to the 737 and A320 family of aircraft.

"CFM is committed to the future, the LEAP-X programme is launched and we are ready to go forward," Bill Clapper, executive VP of the GE/Snecma joint venture company, informed the media.

Clapper described the engine as "a giant leap into the future," which, he said, "will be significantly better than today's products." According to Clapper, the engine will offer 16% lower fuel consumption as compared to the CFM56-7 powering the 737NG.

The new engine will also have noise levels 10-15 db lower than Stage 4 and 60+% lower NOx emissions versus CAEP 6.

According to Clapper, the engine will have its first run in 2012, with certification likely in 2016.

On the issue of fuel efficiency, Clapper said, "That's the engine contribution to the airplane system. When you put a new airplane with that, the number would be bigger."