CFM has announced that it is offering an improved high-pressure turbine (HPT) blade designed to enhance the durability of its CFM56-5B and CFM56-7B engines. The new dawn should make it possible to extend the time spent under wing.
A new high pressure turbine blade
CFM today announces that it is offering an improved high-pressure turbine (HPT) blade, designed to enhance the durability of its CFM56-5B and CFM56-7B engines. The new blade design is based on increased wall thickness, optimization of the dovetail blade root and tighter manufacturing tolerances. The blade retains the fuel consumption benefits achieved with the CFM56 Tech Insertion blade configurations introduced in 2007. “(For) many of our customers, the new CFM56 HPT blade can help them extend flight time to optimize cost of ownership and increase the residual value of their engines. We also offer attractive upgrade options to customers operating older CFM56 configurations,” said Jacey Welsh, CFM Executive Vice President – CFM56 at GE Aerospace.
Blades produced in Greenville, South Carolina
New HPT blades are produced in Greenville, South Carolina. This state-of-the-art GE Aerospace site, which employs 250 people, has been manufacturing HPT blades for a diverse portfolio of commercial and military engines for more than a decade. On average, the site ships 1,000 parts per day, 5,000 parts per week and 250,000 parts per year. “We continue to invest in product upgrades and support for this fleet. With the introduction of the new HPT blade, we are working to build up inventory to meet future workshop visits from our customers,” said Jérôme Morhet, executive vice-president of CFM at Safran Aircraft Engines.
