Singapore will conduct operational trials of open fan engine demonstrators as part of an industrial partnership to validate next-generation propulsion technologies for commercial aircraft.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), CFM International, and Airbus have agreed to use Singapore as a testing ground for CFM’s Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines (RISE) program. The focus is on testing open fan engine architecture.
The RISE program is a technology demonstration initiative targeting more than 20% better fuel efficiency compared to commercial engines in service today. Open fan architecture removes the traditional engine casing, allowing for a larger fan size with less drag.
Under the agreement, operational trials will test the technology at Singapore Changi Airport or Seletar Airport. The trials will assess ground handling, maintenance procedures, and airport operations with the open fan configuration.
The partnership will develop a framework for integrating open fan engines into airport operations. The framework could then serve as a global blueprint for airframers, airports, and airlines.
The partnership will co-develop a readiness framework covering aircraft system and design considerations, infrastructure modifications, operational procedure changes, safety standards, and regulatory procedures. Singapore’s aviation ecosystem will provide technical and operational expertise across airport design, safety protocols, and regulatory frameworks.
Gaël Méheust, president and CEO of CFM International, said, “This agreement is a huge boon for the CFM RISE development program. These technologies are designed to deliver unprecedented improvements in fuel efficiency and emissions in a highly robust future product that can support demanding operations.”
Han Kok Juan, director-general of CAAS, 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.”
