CFM Family
CFM56-3 Turbofan Engine
Engine Overview
Derived from the original CFM engine, the CFM56-3 was designed for the second generation of Boeing 737 aircraft: 737-300/400/500. It is the exclusive engine of the airframe.
There are approximately 4,500 of these reliable turbofans in service across the world.
Currently, CFM offers CFM56-3 upgrade kits. [These reduce the amount of maintenance needed on the engine, as well as extend the life of the engine.
More about the CFM56-3 Turbofan Engine
The CFM56-3 turbofan engine is the first advanced descendent of the CFM56 engine family. It is uniquely customized to meet the requirements of Boeing’s second-generation and short- to medium-ranged 737 – 300/400/500 planes. The CFM56-3 engine family offers a 20 percent improvement in fuel-burn efficiency versus previous low-bypass models. This engine family also encompasses a thrust range of 18,500 to 23,500 pounds.
The CFM56-3 affords 84 percent commonality in parts and 60 percent commonality in tools in comparison with its predecessor, the CFM56-2. However the CFM56-3 retained the core and low-pressure turbine of the earlier model.
In the early part of 2011, a CFM56-3C engine set a new record for CFM56 time-on-wing, logging in excess of 35,000 hours, as well as 14,000 cycles, without one removal.
Positive Feedback
- An increasing amount of CFM56-3 engines reach more than 25,000 hours prior to their first shop visit
- Anticipated first-run life is 16,000 flight hours or more.
- Withstands most-severe weather threats
- Setting new benchmarks in the industry for reliability
- 40 percent margin, compared to the ICAO’s NOx emissions limit
CFM56-5 Turbofan Engine
Engine Overview
The CFM56-5 is the primary engine series used in the Airbus A320 family of aircraft.
The A320 family is the undisputed best-selling aircraft product line of all time and is comprised of the A318, A319, A320 and A321 models. There are nearly 4,500 active A320 family aircraft globally that are used for a wide range of services including short-haul airline routes, intercontinental segments and government missions.
In addition, in excess of approximately 4,000 CFM56-5 engines have been distributed with more than 45 million hours of flight time.
The CFM56-5’s simple architecture contributes to reliability and durability that is unrivaled in its class.
More about the CFM56-5 Turbofan Engine
The CFM56-5 is identical to its predecessor the CFM56-3, except it is younger in age and larger in size. This engine family covers a thrust range of 22,000 to approximately 33,000 pounds.
Tech Insertion, which offers operators substantial improvements in fuel usage and emission levels, as well as lower maintenance costs, was introduced as the configuration for production for all CFM56-5Bs in late 2007.
Positive Feedback
- Highest fan pressure ratio in the CFM56 family.
- Improved engine control unit (ECU) and control processing unit (CPU).
- First use of ultra-low-emissions combustor in commercial service.
CFM56-7 Turbofan Engine
Engine Overview
The CFM56-7 is the sole engine series in use with Boeing Next-Generation 737 - 600/700/800/900 aircraft, as well as Boeing Business Jet. Some military variants also utilize the CFM56-7B. Overall, approximately 7,000 CFM56-7 engines service Boeing 737 aircraft.
This is the most popular combination of engines and aircraft. In excess of 180 operators use CFM56-7 engines with more than 100 million hours of flight time.
The CFM56-7 is so popular because it leads the industry in environmental compatibility and engine reliability. In addition, the CFM56-7 has relatively low ownership costs.
More about the CFM56-7 Turbofan Engine
The CFM56-7 covers a thrust range of approximately 19,500 to 27,300 pounds.
Similar to the CFM56-5, the CFM56-7 engines manufactured since late 2007 have Tech Insertion as their product configuration. This ensures that these CFM56-7s are compliant to CAEP/6 environmental regulations.
Positive Feedback
- On-wing life enhanced by increased exhaust gas temperature (EGT) margins.
- Reduced fuel burn through advanced thermodynamic cycle.
- Common core and low-pressure turbine with CFM56-5B/P.