CFM Leap X demonstrator 
 © CFM International
Full scale demonstrator of a CFM Leap X 3-D woven RTM (resin transfer moulding) composite fan installed on a CFM56-5C engine

The world's major engine manufacturers are preparing to battle it out for a share of the spoils as airframers Airbus and Boeing look to update their best-selling A320 and 737 narrowbody families. Snecma/General Electric joint venture CFM International is well advanced with work on its contender, the Leap X, which was recently boosted by its selection to power China's indigenous C919 150-seat airliner. CFM's arch rival International Aero Engines, comprising partners Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce, MTU Aero Engines and Japanese Aero Engine Corporation, is formulating its own strategy, driven by Airbus, which wants to launch its A320 re-engining project in time for the Farnborough air show in July. The consortium will have to decide whether to offer a further development of its successful V2500, a derivative of P&W's PW1000G geared turbofan - already selected for the Bombardier CSeries and Mitsubishi MRJ regional jet - or an all-new engine.

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Source: Flight International

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