Nexcelle’s participation at Airshow China 2014 is looking to the future
of the company’s engine nacelle on CFM International’s* LEAP-1C
Integrated Propulsion System (IPS), as it supports the growing pace of
flight test activity, prepares for production and creates the Customer
Support framework.
The LEAP-1C will power COMAC’s C919, and is the first new-generation
Integrated Propulsion System for an airliner. Nexcelle’s nacelle is a
key contributor to the IPS’ operational advantages, which include
improved aerodynamics, lower weight, higher reliability and easier
maintenance.
With the first LEAP-1C engine now undergoing evaluations on a modified
GE Aviation 747 flying testbed aircraft at Victorville, California, USA,
Nexcelle is providing continuing support for this activity – and is
preparing for COMAC’s subsequent startup of C919 prototype flight
testing in Shanghai, China.
In parallel, Nexcelle’s two parent companies – Aircelle (Safran) and GE
Aviation’s Middle River Aircraft Systems (MRAS) – are completing their
industrial set-up for LEAP-1C nacelle series production, working closely
with their supply chains.
The establishment of Nexcelle’s support infrastructure for C919
operators also is moving forward, involving the creation of an on-line
customer portal and the organization of support/services resources
within its parent companies.
“Nexcelle continues to demonstrate that our joint venture is meeting the
challenge of creating, producing and supporting a highly innovative
nacelle package on the LEAP-1C’s Integrated Propulsion System,” said
Nexcelle President Michel Abella, who is attending this week’s Airshow
China 2014 event in Zhuhai.
Key features of Nexcelle’s IPS nacelle system for the LEAP-1C include an
all-new translating O-Duct thrust reverser configuration; a fan cowl
that is structurally integrated to the engine; an integrated mounting
system for reduced engine distortion and enhanced on-wing performance;
along with a low drag front end that incorporates a directed flow nozzle
deicing system. The IPS’ installed performance is further enhanced by a
low drag, low weight pylon developed by COMAC concurrently with the
nacelle.
A major innovation in Nexcelle’s nacelle design for the LEAP-1C is its
one-piece composite O-Duct configuration, which replaces a traditional
thrust reverser’s two-piece “D” doors. When deployed, the O-Duct moves
aftward to the reverse thrust position, eliminating drag links in the
engine’s secondary flow-path, enhancing the airflow path and improving
fuel consumption – while also increasing thrust reverser efficiency. The
O-Duct deployment is performed with an evolved electrical thrust
reverser actuation system.
Another of the nacelle system’s technological advances is the directed
flow nozzle deicing system, which more efficiently swirls engine bleed
air within the inlet lip – providing weight, efficiency and
maintainability improvements from traditional nacelle deicing systems
that use Piccolo tubes.
Nexcelle’s LEAP-1C nacelle also incorporates the extensive use of
lightweight and noise-attenuating composite materials, benefitting from
the proven experience of the joint venture’s parent companies in their
respective nacelle and thrust reverser product lines. Download high
resolution image: http://www.nexcelle.com/news-image-library/.
About Nexcelle (www.nexcelle.com)
Nexcelle is creating smart nacelle systems for tomorrow’s world travel.
Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA, the company is a 50/50 joint
venture of Safran (Aircelle) and GE Middle River Aircraft Systems
(MRAS), which are leading suppliers of engine nacelles, thrust reversers
and aerostructures. Through Nexcelle’s relationship with CFM
International, GE Aviation and Safran, the company brings unparalleled
expertise in the design, development, production and support of
integrated propulsion systems for a wide range of aircraft.
*CFM International is a 50/50 joint company between GE and Snecma
(Safran).
Copyright Business Wire 2014