Airbus To Use A380 for Open Fan Engine Research

CFM International partners with Airbus on developing technology to increase powerplant efficiency.

Thom Patterson

Tuesday, July 19, 2022 at 01:59 PM ET

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After ground testing an Airbus A380 will flight test new open fan engine architecture. [Courtesy: Airbus]

Key Takeaways:

Airbus and CFM International are launching a flight test program for "open fan" engine architecture using an A380 demonstrator.
The open fan engines aim to achieve up to a 20 percent reduction in CO2 emissions compared to current engines, by eliminating nacelles to increase efficiency and reduce aircraft weight.
This propulsion technology, though a long-standing concept, is being pursued due to recent advancements in manufacturing and materials.
The program will evaluate engine/wing integration, fuel efficiency, acoustic dynamics, and compatibility with 100 percent sustainable aviation fuels.

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Can you imagine airliners with engines that have no nacelles? Airbus can. In fact, the potential of “open fan engine architecture” to increase engine efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions is so tempting, Airbus and CFM International have launched a flight test demonstrator program.

Following extensive ground testing, a double-decker Airbus A380—the world’s largest airliner—will be used to mature and accelerate development of open fan engines, the company announced Tuesday at the Farnborough International Airshow in England. Flight test validation is expected to take place at GE Aviation’s Flight Test Operations Center in Victorville, California.