Three years after launching one of the aviation industry’s most ambitious technology demonstrator programs, CFM International has marked a significant milestone with the completion of over 100 tests under its Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines (RISE) program. Let’s delve into the history of innovation that has paved the way for RISE.
A Legacy of Innovation
In 1941, amidst the backdrop of global conflict and technological advancement, the United States government tasked GE with developing the first American jet engine. The stakes were high, with national defense, industrial collaboration, and economic growth hanging in the balance. In a remarkable display of ingenuity and determination, GE delivered the groundbreaking engine the following year, setting the stage for a legacy of innovation that continues to shape the aerospace industry.
Fast forward more than 80 years, and GE Aerospace finds itself at the forefront of another pivotal moment. With climate change exerting increasing pressure on communities and economies worldwide, the aerospace sector is undergoing a profound transformation. In response to this challenge, CFM International, a joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines, unveiled the Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engine (RISE) program in 2021.
Aiming for Sustainability
The CFM RISE program is driven by a bold vision: to reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by over 20% compared to today’s most efficient aircraft engines. Engine efficiency lies at the heart of this endeavour, playing a crucial role in the aviation industry’s broader objective of achieving net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050.
Arjan Hegeman, GE Aerospace’s general manager of advanced technology, emphasises the significance of this initiative: “History will judge us to be on the right side of the fence.” Indeed, the urgency of the moment underscores the importance of innovation and collaboration in tackling the sustainability challenges facing the aviation industry.
Decades in the Making
While the CFM RISE program represents a pivotal moment in aviation history, its foundations were laid decades ago. The program’s core innovations — including open-fan architecture, carbon-fiber composites, ceramic matrix composites, and additive technology — are the culmination of years of meticulous research, testing, and validation.
As CFM International continues to push the boundaries of technological advancement, it reaffirms its commitment to driving sustainability and shaping the future of flight. With innovation as its compass, CFM International is poised to lead the aviation industry towards a more sustainable and prosperous future.
