Technology
Aeronautics /
USA
A more sustainable aviation
GE-Safran partnership seeks aeronautical engine with less environmental impact
Rafael Druck/Unsplash
Gabriela Ramos
6/24/2021
The development program launched by GE and Safran will be relaunched, re-developing and enhancing the open rotor design that Safran began developing in 2008. In addition, the two companies have entered into an agreement to maintain CFM International through 2050.
The RISE (Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines) program will develop and test engine technologies and the idea is to launch them in mid-2030. The project was funded by US$ 77 million from the EU's Clean Sky program.
The focus of the program will be to resume development of Safran's open rotor motor. The development had already reached the ground test phase with demonstrator in 2017 in Istres, in the south of France.
According to GE, the open rotor engine will be critical to achieving greater fuel efficiency while maintaining the same speed and cabin experience as today's single-aisle aircraft.
Among the project's objectives is the development of composite fan blades, heat resistant metal alloys, ceramic matrix composites (CMCs), hybrid electrical capacity and other features, as well as the development of more than 300 separate components, modules and complete builds of mechanism.
A demonstration engine test at GE's and Safran's facilities is planned in the middle of this decade, followed by a flight test shortly thereafter.
The program also seeks to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions by more than 20% compared to today's most efficient engines, in addition to establishing full compatibility between alternative energy sources such as sustainable aviation fuels and the hydrogen.
“The relationship between GE and Safran today is the strongest ever,” said GE CEO John Slattery. “Together, through the RISE Technology Demonstration Program, we are reinventing the future of flying, bringing to market an advanced set of revolutionary technologies that will take the next generation of single-aisle aircraft to a new level of fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. ,” he added.
Olivier Andriès, CEO of Safran, said: “Our industry is in the midst of the most challenging times we have ever faced. We must act now to accelerate our efforts to reduce our impact on the environment.”
Robert Hrovat/Unsplash
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Gabriela Ramos
Gabriela is the latest addition to the editorial team of our website, having provided us with her solid background in editing, publishing and photography, and her interest and training in aviation history and historiography. His good taste and common sense and great cleverness and sagacity in the selection of themes and materials greatly enriched our vocabulary and narrative style. Gabriela brought unusual predicates and came to stay, helping to point the way of success of our portal.
   
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