Upgraded Version of CFM Engine Certified

The CFM56-5B turbofan, an option on the Airbus Corporate Jetliner and A318 Elite ultra-large business jets, is now certified in an improved version. The so-called Tech Insertion upgrade takes advantage of the Snecma-General Electric Tech56 technology acquisition program. It is claimed to yield longer time on wing thanks to an additional 15- to 20-degree C margin in exhaust gas temperature limitations. Moreover, maintenance costs are expected to decrease by 5 percent and specific fuel consumption by 1 percent. These benefits are the result of changes in the high-pressure compressor, the combustor and both the high- and low-pressure turbines. Next year, the upgrade will become the new production standard for the CFM56-5B and the CFM56-7B. The latter, which powers all Boeing Business Jets, was certified this past July in its own Tech Insertion version.