The
Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS),
CFM International (a 50:50 joint venture between
GE Aerospace and
Safran Aircraft engines), and
Airbus, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish Singapore as the world’s first airport testing ground for operations of CFM’s next-generation ‘Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines’ (RISE) technologies, with a focus on ‘Open Fan’ engine architecture.
The partnership will study the impact of Open Fan and other RISE programme technologies on airport operations, to develop a ‘comprehensive readiness framework’ that serves as the global blueprint for airframers, airports, and airlines worldwide.
RISE is a technology demonstration programme by CFM to advance next-generation commercial aircraft engine technologies, including the Open Fan architecture. This removes the traditional casing, thereby allowing for a larger fan size with less drag, while targeting more than 20% better fuel efficiency compared to commercial engines in service today.
Beyond propulsive efficiency, Open Fan engine architecture is being developed to reduce emissions, lower noise, and ensure compatibility with future hybrid-electric systems, positioning it as a ‘cornerstone technology for efficient air travel from the next generation of commercial narrow-body aircraft’.
Mr Han Kok Juan, CAAS’s director general, said: “CFM International’s and Airbus’s partnership with CAAS to establish in Singapore the world’s first airport testbed for next generation propulsion technologies is testament to Singapore’s offering as an integrated air hub with strong regulatory expertise where companies can testbed technologies and develop real-world protocols for deployment at scale globally.”