Design and Development
The LEAP ("Leading Edge Aviation Propulsion") incorporates technologies that CFM developed as part of the LEAP56 technology acquisition program, which CFM launched in 2005. The engine was officially launched as "LEAP-X" on 13 July 2008. It is intended to be a successor to the CFM56-5B and CFM56-7B. Currently proposed for the LEAP is a greater use of composite materials, a blisk fan in the compressor, a second-generation Twin Annular Pre Swirl (TAPS II) combustor, a bypass ratio around 10-11:1, and 16% lower fuel consumption.
The Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) has chosen the LEAP engine to provide the engines for its new COMAC C919 aircraft.
The company expects to receive certification for the first LEAP, the LEAP-1C, for China's 150-seat COMAC C919 twinjet. The aircraft is due to enter service in 2016. The engine will also be deployed in the same year on the new Airbus A320neo variant.
On July 20, 2011, American Airlines announced that it planned to purchase 100 Boeing 737 aircraft featuring the LEAP-1B engine. The project was approved by Boeing on August 30, 2011 as the Boeing 737 MAX. Southwest Airlines is the launch customer of the 737 MAX with a firm order of 150 aircraft.
Read more about this topic: CFM International LEAP-X
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