LEAP-1A

Descripción general

El LEAP-1A es el turbofán de alto bypass de nueva generación de CFM International desarrollado para la familia Airbus A320neo, ofreciendo aproximadamente 15–16% mejor consumo de combustible que el CFM56-5B al que reemplaza. Launched under the LEAP (Leading Edge Aviation Propulsion) program, the engine introduce varias tecnologías revolucionarias: 3D-woven carbon fiber composite fan blades, ceramic matrix composite (CMC) shrouds in the high-pressure turbine, a TAPS II (Twin Annular Pre-Swirl) combustor for ultra-low NOx, and an additive-manufactured fuel nozzle produced using DMLM (Direct Metal Laser Melting) — la primera pieza impresa en 3D certificada por la FAA en un motor a reacción comercial.

The LEAP-1A compite y complementa al Pratt & Whitney PW1100G (GTF) on the A320neo family, donde las aerolíneas eligen entre ambos motores. La relación de derivación significativamente mayor de 11:1 (versus 6:1 for the CFM56-5B) impulsa la mejora en eficiencia de combustible, lograda mediante un fan más grande y un núcleo más delgado. CFM received over 16,000 LEAP orders before entry into service — el programa de motor comercial más vendido en la historia en ese momento.

Especificaciones técnicas

Variantes

The LEAP-1A family covers thrust ratings from approximately 24,000 lbf to 35,000 lbf. The LEAP-1A24 targets the A319neo (24,500 lbf), while the LEAP-1A26 (26,000 lbf) and LEAP-1A26E are the primary A320neo powerplants. The LEAP-1A32 and LEAP-1A33 serve the A321neo with thrust up to 33,000 lbf. The LEAP-1A35 provides 35,000 lbf for the demanding A321XLR long-range mission, supporting the aircraft's MTOW-heavy operations with full passenger load across ranges up to 4,700 nm. All variants share the same core architecture and common maintenance procedures.

Aplicaciones en aeronaves

• Airbus A319neo: LEAP-1A24 (24,500 lbf) — miembro más corto de la familia A320neo
• Airbus A320neo: LEAP-1A26/26E (26,000–27,000 lbf) — variante de fuselaje estrecho más vendida
• Airbus A321neo: LEAP-1A32/33 (32,000–33,000 lbf) — monopasillo de alta densidad
• Airbus A321XLR: LEAP-1A35 (35,000 lbf) — fuselaje estrecho de ultra largo alcance, up to 4,700 nm

Historia del desarrollo

The LEAP program was formally launched in 2008, with CFM committing to a 15% fuel improvement over the CFM56 through a clean-sheet low-pressure system mated to an evolved high-pressure core. First engine run occurred in September 2013 at GE's Peebles, Ohio test facility. EASA and FAA certification was achieved in May and June 2016 respectively, with Pegasus Airlines operating the first A320neo revenue flight powered by LEAP-1A in August 2016. The 3D-woven fan blade manufacturing, performed by Albany International using resin transfer molding, proved a pivotal technology — 18 blades per engine versus 36 in the CFM56-5B, reducing weight while improving aerodynamic performance. Early service entry saw elevated shop visit rates related to turbine durability, which CFM addressed through hardware improvements in 2018–2019. By 2024, the LEAP-1A had logged over 50 million flight hours across the A320neo family.