CFM International’s RISE Engine Selected to Power Boeing-NASA X-66A Sustainable Flight Demonstrator (SFD)

In a groundbreaking development for the future of aviation, CFM International’s innovative RISE engine has been chosen to propel the X-66A, a joint venture by Boeing and NASA, known as the Sustainable Flight Demonstrator (SFD). The Air Current report reveals that the open fan RISE engine will be a key component of the X-66A, which will undergo extensive modifications based on the McDonnell Douglas MD-90 aircraft.

NASA’s ambitious SFD project aims to pave the way for a new generation of eco-friendly single-aisle aircraft. NASA officially christened its Transonic Truss-Braced Wing (TTBW) demonstrator aircraft as the X-66A on June 12, 2023. According to NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, this experimental jet will revolutionize aviation, ushering in a greener, cleaner, and quieter era while unlocking new possibilities for both the flying public and the American industry.

Notably, the X-66A represents NASA’s first X-plane dedicated to achieving emission-reduction targets, signifying a major leap towards sustainable air travel.

The CFM International RISE engine distinguishes itself with its unconventional open fan design, which sets it apart from traditional engines, resembling the X-66A and its wings. However, CFM International clarifies that despite the open fan architecture’s resemblance to a turboprop, it operates in an entirely different manner, as detailed in their research paper. The engine’s design allows aircraft to achieve speeds equivalent to current single-aisle aircraft (up to Mach 0.8 or 80 percent of the speed of sound) while complying with expected future noise regulations.

CFM International envisions the RISE engine as the foundation for next-generation propulsion systems, slated for availability by the mid-2030s. The company has set ambitious targets, aiming to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by over 20 percent compared to today’s most efficient engines. Additionally, CFM International seeks to ensure compatibility with alternative energy sources such as Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and hydrogen, further enhancing its eco-friendly credentials.

As a joint venture between General Electric (GE) Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines of France, CFM International remains committed to collaborating with airframers and government entities to integrate revolutionary technologies and achieve optimal aircraft and propulsion integration, all geared towards minimizing flight emissions.