December 5, 2024
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New technology engines currently being introduced into service for narrow-body and wide-body aircraft haven’t had a smooth ramp-up, with multiple glitches emerging.  With the exception of derivatives of mature programs, most new engines have some difficulties during their initial service period.  With so many new engines being introduced today, it seems that an unusual number of problems are emerging.  Let’s examine a few.

Silvercrest
SAFRAN announced another delay in the Silvercrest engine at NBAA last month, resulting in a further delay in the Dassault Falcon 5X program.  While not yet in production, the engine difficulties at altitude during flight test appear serious enough for Dassault to state that “all options are on the table.”  Advanced technology engines are neither easy to develop nor easy to get down the learning curve.  This aircraft program has already been through one engine switch. Could another be coming?