CFM To Re-Engine Next-Generation 737 Family

[Saj_A]

CFM To Re-Engine Next-Generation 737 Family - Sources

• Boeing, CFM Work Toward Sole-Supplier Agreement On Re-Engine Program
• CFM LEAP-X Engine To Power Next Generation 737 Family
• Fuel Savings Of 15% Targeted

Sources close to CFM International have identified the upcoming LEAP-X to power the Boeing 737 family, which ironically will also power the rival Comac C919 jet in 2016.

The timeline calls for a late 2010 launch for the new engine/airframe combination, followed by full engine demonstrator tests in 2012. First flight aboard GE’s 747 flying test bed would occur in 2014 ahead of service entry in 2016.

Full article can be found here.

[Mike W]

Wow! When McInerney said Boeing were going to make a decision about re-engining the 737 before the middle of the year, he really meant it.

I'm now wondering about the P&W GTF and if it's really what it's cracked up to be.

[Erik H. Bakke]

The main driver for going with an updated version of the CFM engine would have been fewer modifications to the aircraft.

The GTF would have a larger fan diameter and would therefore require a longer undercarriage. This would, in turn, require significant changes to the wheel wells.

I guess the GTF would be a stronger contender for a re-engined A320 family as this one's got more ground clearance than the B737.

[Saj_A]

The GTF, despite being 3 inches bigger in diameter produces much less thrust than the CFM LEAP-X engine.

Further, the GTF has not proven beyond doubt its so called fuel savings or lower maintenance costs.

If it had, just where are the orders for it? The 787 and A350 have had no problem racking up orders based on promises of fuel efficiency. Now contrast that to the utter failure of PW/Bombardier to get many, if any sales of the PowerPoint Jet CSeries.

The GTF engine, like the PW6000 is a promise ready to be broken and Boeing doesnt want to risk alienating its CFM/737 customers with an engine that offers zero benefits or commonality with the existing worldwide fleet.

[Saj_A]

Some further reading/thoughts on the subject here.

[Saj_A]

Re-engine?

Replace?

None Of The Above?

If there is one certainty about the dilemma Airbus and Boeing face with their hot-selling A320 and 737 families, it’s that they have yet to make a conclusive argument either way as to what, if any move they’ll make to enhance their jets.

Airbus’ John Leahy continues to rightly dismiss the notion that the Bombardier CSeries is some sort of “threat” when after six years of plying for business it has only scraped a paltry 90 orders - all of which came in the last two years, reinforces the long held view that the current driver of narrowbody demand, low cost airlines, have pushed Airbus into increasing production rates on the A320.

Boeing too, is likely to follow Airbus’ lead and increase 737 production when it makes a decision during this quarter as demand bucks the trend.

More here.