The Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger jet, has been recruited as a demonstrator to test the new cutting-edge open fan engine architecture that can help reduce carbon emissions by up to 20%.
The project was unveiled on Tuesday (20) by Airbus and CFM International at the Farnborough Air Show outside London, an annual trade show that showcases the latest in aerospace innovation.
It is the latest innovation to be air-tested on the “superjumbo” A380, which has enjoyed mixed fortunes in recent years. Production of the much-loved plane was halted in 2021 due to lack of demand.
Existing aircraft were grounded by airlines during the pandemic, only to enjoy a recent resurgence due to travel demand.
CFM, whose parent companies are GE and Safran Aircraft Engines, has been developing advanced propulsion technologies as part of its Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines (RISE) demonstration program.
Now, the aim is to mature and accelerate this process with a flight test campaign aboard this A380, which is due to take off in the second half of this decade from Airbus’ flight test facility in Toulouse, France.
Before that happens, CFM will conduct engine ground testing and flight test validation at GE Aviation’s flight test operations center in Victorville, California.
The objectives of the flight test program are to better understand engine/wing integration and aerodynamic performance, demonstrate improved fuel efficiency that would reduce CO2 emissions by one-fifth compared to today’s most efficient engines, and ensure compatibility with 100% sustainable aviation fuels (SAF).
The aviation industry has made an ambitious pledge to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and this new technology can help support that.
“New propulsion technologies will play an important role in achieving aviation’s net zero goals, along with new aircraft designs and sustainable energy sources,” Sabine Klauke, Airbus’ technical director, said in a statement.
The CFM RISE program is all about expanding the technology envelope, redefining the art of the possible and helping to achieve more sustainable long-term growth for our industry,” confirmed Gaël Méheust, President and CEO of CFM International.
Earlier this year, Airbus announced that it would test an experimental hydrogen engine in an A380 – another partnership with CFM International – with the aim of creating a zero-emission plane by 2035.
Source: CNN Brasil
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