CFM to begin testing LEAP-X core, awaits movement on 737/A320 successor

"CFM International today will move the first LEAP-X engine core to GE Aviation's testbed at its Evendale, Ohio, facility to begin testing within three weeks as the GE/Snecma joint venture aggressively develops the new-generation powerplant it is marketing to Boeing and Airbus for the eventual successor to the 737 and A320 families.CFM this week showed reporters both the core and a "MASCOT" test engine comprising composite three-dimensional modeling-designed LEAP-X fan blades currently undergoing crosswind tests at GE's Peebles, Ohio, facility. CFM said a baseline LEAP-X can be ready for certification by 2016 for a possible EIS in 2018 and insisted that it will be far enough along in development and testing by 2011-12 for the aircraft manufacturers to make a decision" Next.