Expanding Aviation’s Fan-Base

On 14 June 2021, GE Aviation and Safran undertook a technology development program targeting decreases in fuel-consumption and CO2 emissions of twenty-percent over conventional turbine aircraft engines. Subject endeavor—dubbed the CFM Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines (RISE) program—set out to demonstrate and mature a range of technologies for future engines.

The RISE engine concept comprises an open-fan architecture evocative of GE’s GE36 Unducted Fan (UDF) with which Boeing considered powering its 717 narrow-body airliner. EASA, in 2015, defined such powerplants as: "a turbine engine featuring contra-rotating fan stages not enclosed within a casing." Open-fan engines, often referred to as propfans, utilize a gas turbine to drive an unshrouded (open) contra-rotating propeller—after the fashion of a turboprop. The design of the propeller itself, however, is more tightly coupled to the turbine design, and the two are certified as a single unit. In addition to furthering the evolution of the open-fan concept, CFM’s RISE program seeks to achieve advancements in hybrid-electric capability, electrified engine-accessories, and hydrogen propulsion.

On 14 December 2022, FADEC Alliance—a joint venture of GE, BAE Systems, and Safran Electronics & Defense (Safran)—announced it will design and develop the electronic control system architecture for the CFM’s RISE demonstrator engine program.

FADEC Alliance CEO Steven McCullough remarked: “We are excited to work with our industry partners on the CFM RISE program and help introduce innovative technologies to set a new bar for future aircraft engine performance and create a more sustainable form of aviation.”

FADEC Alliance will develop the demonstrator engine’s electronic control system and multiple subsystems through two program phases. Phase-one will focus on an expanded control system to accommodate new interfaces associated with an open fan concept, while phase-two will address key aspects of the engine’s unconventional systems.

Development work will be undertaken at BAE Systems’ Endicott, New York site, and Safran’s Massy, France facility.

FMI: www.cfmaeroengines.com