Safran and ONERA have begun initial wind tunnel tests with the ECOENGInE, a 1:5 scale demonstrator of the future open fan engine. The companies are aiming to achieve a reduction in fuel burn and CO2 emissions by 20% and up to 80% when combined with SAFs for the next generation of single-aisle commercial jets by 2035.
"This series of wind tunnel tests is a major milestone in our research & technology roadmap, which aims to develop the technological building blocks for the next breed of commercial jet engines," said Safran Aircraft Engines vice president engineering, and research & technology Pierre Cottenceau.
Safran and ONERA had recently signed a framework agreement for an ambitious test plan from 2024 to 2028, building on previous trials with the ECOENGInE.
ONERA wind tunnels director Marie-Jose Martinez said: "the partnership we’ve set up with Safran reflects our shared drive to support the development of cleaner, greener aircraft. ONERA is proud to be making available our exceptional facilities, funded by the French government, and our world-renowned engineers and technicians."
Tests on the ECOENGInE backed by the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) as part of the CORAC2 plan aim to demonstrate the aerodynamic and acoustic performance of the fan module by simulating real-world airspeeds in a wind tunnel and validate the design of the fan blades. The blades play a key role in the engine’s overall efficiency.