GE and Safran Group joint venture, CFM International said it has launched a new-generation power plant, the LEAP-X, designed for the successors to the 737 and A320 family of aircraft.

"CFM is committed to the future, the LEAP-X programme is launched and we are ready to go forward," Bill Clapper, executive VP of the GE/Snecma joint venture company, informed the media.

Clapper described the engine as "a giant leap into the future," which, he said, "will be significantly better than today's products." According to Clapper, the engine will offer 16% lower fuel consumption as compared to the CFM56-7 powering the 737NG.

The new engine will also have noise levels 10-15 db lower than Stage 4 and 60+% lower NOx emissions versus CAEP 6.

According to Clapper, the engine will have its first run in 2012, with certification likely in 2016.

On the issue of fuel efficiency, Clapper said, "That's the engine contribution to the airplane system. When you put a new airplane with that, the number would be bigger."

Contributing to the lower fuel consumption would be "three-dimensional woven resin transfer molding" fan blades that will be  significantly lighter and stronger than current composite blades. According to CFM executive VP, Olivier Savin, LEAP-X will have "Better designed, less [blades] per set, lighter, and much stronger: That's the revolutionary technology for the LEAP-X."

Along with lighter materials in the composite fan case, the weight savings per aircraft will be 1,000 lb. The new fan technology will make it possible to offer a bypass ratio in the 9:1-plus class, compared to around 5:1 for the CFM56-7. The larger bypass ratio will be responsible for almost half of the forecast 16% fuel savings.

Third-generation 3D aerodynamics will be used throughout the engine, which will feature GE's new TAPS II combustor. The core itself will be based on GE's "e-Core" programme that also was launched yesterday.

Advanced engine systems will also contribute to fuel efficiency.