In June 2021, GE and Safran jointly announced the launch of the RISE (Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines) project. The essence of this project is to study advanced open-rotor architectures to greatly improve fuel efficiency.
The new generation of engines will be developed and manufactured by CFM and is scheduled to be put into use in the mid-1930s. In addition, as part of the launch of the RISE project, GE and Safran also decided to extend their 50% shareholding relationship to the middle of this century to support CFM in better advancing the next-generation aero engine program.
CFM plans to use the open rotary engine in the RISE plan to replac the current medium thrust engine. Its goal is to reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by 20% on the basis of the current LEAP-1 series, and to achieve a thrust of 90 to 160 kN. The Leap-1 series engine is gradually replaced in the class. In addition, the RISE project also includes a variety of "breakthrough technologies", including the development of a variety of new combustion chambers, the development of new motor starters and generators, a complete set of new thermal management systems, and the application of CMC materials.
Immediately after the release of the RISE plan, considerable doubts and responses were aroused in the industry.
At present, the other two giants in the aviation development field, Pratt & Whitney and Rolls-Royce, are studying other key technologies that can improve engine efficiency, such as gear transmission technology. However, these two companies do not seem to intend to change their development strategies because of the RISE plan.
For example, Pratt & Whitney is simultaneously formulating an upgrade route for GTF, and has just launched the GTF Advantge plan to compete with the A321XLR engine system. Rolls-Royce’s recent research focuses on the "UltraFan" engine, and plans to begin ground testing of the first "UltraFan" engine demonstration prototype in early 2022.
