CFM RISE

CFM RISE
Name	CFM RISE
Type	Turbofan
National origin	France / United States
Manufacturer	CFM International
First run	Announced 2021
Status	Under development

CFM RISE. The CFM RISE is an advanced technology demonstrator program for a future Turbofan engine architecture, aiming to significantly improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions for the next generation of commercial aircraft. Announced in 2021 by the CFM International joint venture between Safran Aircraft Engines and General Electric Aerospace, the program targets entry-into-service by the mid-2030s. Its name stands for "Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines," and it represents a foundational shift toward Open rotor and hybrid-electric propulsion technologies.

Overview

The CFM RISE program is a direct response to the aviation industry's goals for Carbon neutrality and the ambitious targets set by organizations like the Air Transport Action Group. It is positioned as the potential successor to current-generation engines like the LEAP and is designed to be compatible with Sustainable aviation fuel and Hydrogen as a primary energy source. The initiative is supported by extensive research from parent companies and collaborations with agencies such as NASA and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency. Its development is closely watched by major Airbus and Boeing as they plan future Aircraft families.

Development and design

Development of the CFM RISE architecture is spearheaded by engineering teams at Safran Aircraft Engines facilities in Villaroche and General Electric Aerospace sites in Evendale. The core design philosophy departs from traditional Turbofan layouts by featuring a distinctive Open rotor design, which eliminates the engine nacelle to improve propulsive efficiency. This configuration, reminiscent of earlier programs like the GE36 unducted fan, is enabled by modern Composite materials and advanced Aerodynamics. The program also incorporates a combined power generation system to enable significant hybrid-electric capabilities.

Technology and innovations

Key technological pillars of the CFM RISE program include the Open rotor fan system with counter-rotating blades, which is expected to reduce fuel burn substantially. The engine will integrate a compact, high-efficiency core derived from technologies pioneered in the Affinity and GE9X programs. A major innovation is the inclusion of a Power electronics system and an integrated Electric motor within the core, facilitating functions like Electric taxiing and providing power for aircraft systems. Advanced Ceramic matrix composite components and new Heat exchanger designs are critical for managing higher operating temperatures and improving thermal efficiency.

Environmental impact and sustainability

The primary environmental goal of the CFM RISE program is to achieve at least 20% lower Carbon dioxide emissions compared to today's most efficient engines, such as the LEAP. It is designed for 100% compatibility with Sustainable aviation fuel and is being developed with the ultimate objective of running on Hydrogen combustion. The architecture aims to contribute to the European Union's Flightpath 2050 goals and initiatives like the International Civil Aviation Organization's CORSIA agreement. Reduction of Nitrogen oxide and noise emissions are also fundamental design parameters, targeting stricter standards anticipated from regulators like the Federal Aviation Administration.

Market and applications

The CFM RISE engine is targeted at the next-generation Single-aisle aircraft market, which includes potential replacements for the Airbus A320neo family and the Boeing 737 MAX. Its development timeline aligns with major airframe manufacturers' roadmaps, such as Airbus's ZEROe initiative and Boeing's future studies. The program is also relevant for regional jet and smaller Twinjet applications. Key potential customers include major global carriers like Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Air France-KLM, which have publicly committed to ambitious Carbon neutrality targets that require new propulsion solutions.

Program timeline and milestones

The CFM RISE program was officially launched in June 2021 with a joint announcement from Safran Aircraft Engines and General Electric Aerospace. A key early milestone was the completion of initial Wind tunnel testing for the Open rotor design. Ground testing of the advanced engine core and hybrid-electric systems is scheduled to begin before 2025. The program plans to have a full-scale demonstrator engine ready for ground tests by the late 2020s, with flight tests on a dedicated Boeing 747 or Airbus A340 testbed aircraft to follow. The target entry-into-service for a production engine based on RISE technology is set for the mid-2030s.

Category:Aircraft engines Category:Aviation technology