LEAP-1A
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Technical Specifications
- Thrust
- 143.0 kN (32,160 lbf)
- Bypass Ratio
- 11.0:1
- Fan Diameter
- 1.981 m
- Pressure Ratio
- 40.0:1
- SFC
- 0.2760 lb/lbf·h
- Dry Weight
- 2,990 kg
- Length
- 3.328 m
- First Run
- 2013
- In Service
- 2016
Overview
The LEAP-1A is CFM International's next-generation high-bypass turbofan developed for the Airbus A320neo family, delivering approximately 15–16% better fuel burn than the CFM56-5B it replaces. Launched under the LEAP (Leading Edge Aviation Propulsion) program, the engine introduces several breakthrough technologies: 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) — the first FAA-certified 3D-printed part in a commercial jet engine.
The LEAP-1A competes with and complements the Pratt & Whitney PW1100G (GTF) on the A320neo family, with airlines choosing between the two engines. The significantly higher bypass ratio of 11:1 (versus 6:1 for the CFM56-5B) drives the fuel efficiency gain, achieved through a larger fan and a more slender core. CFM received over 16,000 LEAP orders before entry into service — the fastest-selling commercial engine program in history at the time.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Thrust | 143.0 kN (32,160 lbf) |
| Bypass Ratio | 11.0:1 |
| Fan Diameter | 1.981 m (78.0 in) |
| Dry Weight | 2,990 kg (6,592 lb) |
| Length | 3.328 m (131.0 in) |
| Overall Pressure Ratio | 40.0:1 |
| SFC | 0.276 lb/lbf·h |
| First Run | 2013 |
| Entry into Service | 2016 |
Variants
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.
Aircraft Applications
- Airbus A319neo: LEAP-1A24 (24,500 lbf) — shortest A320neo family member
- Airbus A320neo: LEAP-1A26/26E (26,000–27,000 lbf) — best-selling narrowbody variant
- Airbus A321neo: LEAP-1A32/33 (32,000–33,000 lbf) — high-density single-aisle
- Airbus A321XLR: LEAP-1A35 (35,000 lbf) — ultra-long-range narrowbody, up to 4,700 nm
Development History
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.