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?(Image from CFM website)Airbus announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and CFM International to make the first airport testing ground for operations of CFM's next-generation Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines (RISE) program technologies.
The partnership will focus on Open Fan engine architecture and will study the impact that RISE technologies have on airport operations. The data will be used to develop a comprehensive readiness framework to serve as an example for airframers, airports and airlines. The three groups have agreed to co-develop a plan to integrate Open Fan engines for the next-generation aircraft into existing airport operations, perform tests on RISE's Open Fan engine demonstrators and leverage Singapore's aviation ecosystem to exchange expertise.
"We are excited to be partnering with CAAS and CFM to take new propulsion system technologies to the next level of maturity by testing them against future operational requirements," said Mr Remi Maillard, executive VP of engineering for the Commercial Aircraft business and Head of Technology at Airbus. "And what better place to do it than in Singapore, where we can rely on a state-of-the-art aerospace ecosystem. Airbus is committed to pioneering sustainable aerospace, and this partnership is a testament to that."
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RISE is a technology demonstration programme by CFM that is meant to advance next-generation aircraft engine technologies. It aims for more than 20% better fuel efficiency than current engines in service. Airbus states that Open Fan engine architecture is being developed to reduce emissions, lower noise and ensure compatibility with future hybrid-electric systems.
"This first-of-its-kind agreement is a huge boon for the CFM RISE development program," said Mr Gaël Méheust, CFM International president and CEO. "These technologies are designed to deliver unprecedented improvements in fuel efficiency (and emissions) in a highly robust future product that can support demanding operations. Now, having the ability to perform a real-world demonstration ? from ground handling to maintenance actions, to airport operations ? will give airlines and, hopefully, the flying public, confidence in the safety, durability, and efficiency of Open Fan."