CFM International has signed an agreement with Airbus Industrie to offer the CFM56-5B3/P as a powerplant for the new, 89-tonne A321-200.
CFM International is a 50/50 joint company of Snecma (Safran Group) of France and General Electric of the United States.
The engine will be rated at 32,000 pounds for this application and is scheduled to begin A321 flight tests in April 1996. Certification and entry into service are scheduled for the second quarter of 1997.
The CFM56-5B3/P incorporates the new CFM56-5B/P core, which is expected to provide a 3 percent SFC improvement compared to the current -5B configuration. The first CFM56-5B/P begins ground testing in August and will be certified early next year. The growth A321 provides greater range than the current A321, an added advantage to U.S. domestic and charter operators.