Technology & Innovation
CFM RISE Program Advances Engine Durability with Early Dust Testing
CFM RISE program pioneers early dust ingestion testing to enhance engine durability and cut fuel consumption by 20 percent for sustainable aviation.
The aviation industry is undergoing a transformative period as it seeks to balance the demands of efficiency, sustainability, and reliability. At the forefront of this evolution is the CFM International Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines (RISE) program, a collaborative initiative between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines. With ambitious goals to drastically reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions, the RISE program represents a pivotal step toward achieving net-zero emissions in aviation by 2050.
One of the most critical challenges facing modern jet engines is their ability to withstand harsh operating environments, particularly those involving dust and sand ingestion. The lessons learned from the in-service durability issues of current-generation engines, such as the CFM LEAP, have underscored the necessity for rigorous and early testing. By initiating dust ingestion testing earlier in the development cycle than ever before, the RISE program is setting a new standard for durability and reliability in next-generation aircraft propulsion systems.
This article explores the significance of dust ingestion testing within the context of the RISE program, delving into its technical objectives, testing methodology, and broader implications for the future of sustainable aviation.
Launched in June 2021, the CFM RISE program is a technology demonstration initiative aimed at redefining single-aisle aircraft engines for the mid-2030s and beyond. The central objectives of the program are to achieve more than a 20% reduction in both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared to the most efficient engines currently in service. This aligns with the aviation sector’s broader commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
In pursuit of these targets, the RISE program is developing a suite of advanced technologies. These include compatibility with 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and hydrogen, a new generation open fan (open rotor) architecture, and hybrid electric capabilities. The open fan design, in particular, is a significant departure from traditional turbofan engines, allowing for a much higher bypass ratio and, consequently, greater efficiency.
The RISE program’s approach is not only about meeting environmental goals but also about ensuring that these next-generation engines can operate at the same speeds as current single-aisle aircraft, up to Mach 0.8. Over 350 technology tests have already been completed, laying a robust foundation for further development and validation.
“Over the past 50 years ducted engines have steadily improved, but they are now approaching the limits in terms of efficiency.”, Delphine Dijoud, Vice President of Engineering Deputy for Commercial Engines, Safran Aircraft Engines
The open fan, or open rotor, architecture is a defining feature of the RISE program. By eliminating the traditional engine nacelle and allowing the fan blades to operate in the open, this design achieves a significantly higher bypass ratio. This is a key enabler for the program’s ambitious efficiency targets, as it allows more air to flow around the engine core, reducing specific fuel consumption.
To withstand the increased thermal and mechanical stresses associated with higher operating temperatures and pressures, the RISE program is leveraging advanced materials. Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) and carbon-fiber composite fan blades are being incorporated to reduce weight and improve thermal resistance. These materials are critical for the engine’s “compact core,” which is designed to maximize thermal efficiency while operating in demanding conditions. Additionally, the program is investigating hybrid-electric propulsion systems and is actively engaged in research on hydrogen-powered engines. Partnerships with organizations such as NASA, Airbus, and Boeing are facilitating the development of these cutting-edge technologies, which could redefine the propulsion landscape for decades to come.
Dust ingestion testing is a cornerstone of the RISE program’s durability validation. The tests are designed to simulate the harsh conditions that engines may encounter during real-world operations, particularly in environments with high concentrations of dust and sand. The primary focus is on the high-pressure turbine (HPT) airfoils within the engine’s compact core, which are subjected to elevated temperatures and pressures.
The testing methodology involves the use of a GE F110 military engine as a testbed for the new HPT airfoils. A specialized rig injects dust into the engine over thousands of cycles, replicating all phases of flight, from takeoff and climb to cruise and landing. This process allows engineers to observe the interaction between molten particles and the thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) that protect turbine blades from damage.
Notably, these endurance tests are being conducted much earlier in the development cycle than in previous programs. For example, similar durability tests for the CFM LEAP engine were performed only after the engine had entered service, leading to unexpected operational challenges. By contrast, the RISE program’s proactive approach aims to identify and address potential durability issues before the engine reaches commercial deployment.
“It’s an example of how serious we take the durability and safety of these engines.”, Arjan Hegeman, General Manager of Future of Flight Technology, GE Aerospace
Early results from the dust ingestion tests have been promising. Endurance tests on the high-pressure turbine have already accumulated over 2,000 cycles on an F110 engine, with the next phase set to replicate these cycles under dust ingestion conditions. These tests are crucial for validating the effectiveness of new materials and coatings in protecting engine components from erosion and thermal damage.
The RISE program’s durability testing is being conducted in close collaboration with industry partners and regulatory agencies, including NASA, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and European aviation authorities. This collaborative approach ensures that the testing protocols and findings are aligned with international safety and certification standards.
The program’s emphasis on early and comprehensive testing is a direct response to the operational realities faced by airlines, particularly those operating in regions with frequent dust storms or sandy environments. By addressing these challenges at the design and validation stage, the RISE program aims to deliver engines that are not only more efficient but also more reliable and cost-effective to maintain.
In 2024, the RISE program achieved a significant milestone by completing over 300 hours of wind tunnel testing on a one-fifth scale model of the open fan turbine at ONERA, the French national aerospace research center. These tests provided critical data on aerodynamic performance and noise characteristics, informing further refinements to the engine’s design. Full-scale demonstrator parts are now being manufactured, marking the transition from laboratory research to hardware validation. CFM is working closely with Airbus to prepare for an open fan flight demonstration, which will use an Airbus A380 as a flying testbed. Ground and flight tests are anticipated to begin later this decade, providing valuable insights into the engine’s real-world performance.
Beyond traditional jet fuel, the RISE program is also involved in research on hydrogen propulsion through the ZEROe program with Airbus and hybrid-electric systems in collaboration with Boeing and NASA. These initiatives are part of a broader industry push to diversify energy sources and reduce the environmental footprint of aviation.
The RISE program’s innovations are set against the backdrop of an industry-wide effort to address the environmental impact of commercial aviation. The move toward open fan architecture, advanced composite materials, and alternative fuels represents a significant technological shift for the sector. If successful, these advancements could redefine the design and operation of single-aisle aircraft, the most widely used category in commercial aviation.
The early and rigorous approach to durability testing, particularly in the context of dust ingestion, highlights the growing importance of engine reliability and lifecycle cost management. Airlines operating in diverse and challenging environments stand to benefit from engines that can maintain high performance and efficiency while minimizing maintenance disruptions.
As the RISE program progresses toward its goal of entering service in the mid-2030s, its outcomes will likely influence not only the design of future engines but also industry standards for testing, certification, and environmental compliance.
The CFM RISE program’s early and comprehensive dust ingestion testing marks a significant advancement in the pursuit of durable, efficient, and sustainable aircraft engines. By integrating lessons learned from previous engine programs and leveraging the latest in materials science and aerodynamic design, the RISE initiative is setting new benchmarks for the industry.
Looking ahead, the continued collaboration among engine manufacturers, airframers, regulatory bodies, and research institutions will be critical for realizing the full potential of these technologies. As the RISE program moves closer to flight demonstrations and eventual commercial deployment, its innovations could play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of environmentally responsible air travel.
What is the primary goal of the CFM RISE program? Why is dust ingestion testing important for aircraft engines? What makes the RISE program’s approach to testing different from previous programs? When could the RISE engine technology enter service? Sources: CFM International Press Article
Introduction: The Significance of Dust Ingestion Testing in the CFM RISE Program
CFM RISE Program: Ambitions, Architecture, and Industry Context
Program Overview and Sustainability Goals
Open Fan Architecture and Advanced Materials
Dust Ingestion Testing: Methodology, Rationale, and Early Findings
Testing Approach and Objectives
Preliminary Results and Industry Collaboration
Recent Developments, Future Timeline, and Broader Implications
Technological Advancements and Demonstration Milestones
Broader Industry Impact and Future Prospects
Conclusion: Key Takeaways and Future Implications
FAQ
The main objective is to develop a next-generation engine that is at least 20% more fuel-efficient and produces 20% fewer CO2 emissions than current engines, with compatibility for 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel and hydrogen.
Dust ingestion testing evaluates the durability of engine components, particularly turbine blades, in harsh environments. This helps ensure reliability and reduces maintenance costs for airlines operating in dusty or sandy regions.
The RISE program conducts durability and dust ingestion tests much earlier in the development cycle, allowing potential issues to be identified and addressed before the engine enters commercial service.
The technologies developed under the RISE program could be available for new aircraft in the mid-2030s, pending successful demonstration and certification.
Photo Credit: CFM
Technology & Innovation
SkyDrive and MUFG Bank Launch Kansai eVTOL Study
SkyDrive and MUFG Bank launched a joint feasibility study on Oct. 6, 2026, for commercial eVTOL services in Western Japan.
Japanese eVTOL manufacturer SkyDrive Inc. and MUFG Bank Ltd. launched a joint feasibility study on October 6, 2026, to evaluate the commercial deployment of electric air mobility services across the Kansai region of Western Japan.
Announced in a company press release, the initiative transitions SkyDrive’s advanced air mobility efforts from technical validation to commercial integration. The partnership, which includes Osaka Metro Co. Ltd. and other regional enterprises, aims to establish a sustainable business model under the newly formed “Kansai Air Transportation Network Concept.”
The joint initiative brings together stakeholders across the transportation, aviation, infrastructure, energy, tourism, and financial services sectors. The working group will focus on six core areas required to build next-generation transport infrastructure. These include flight networks and route planning, infrastructure development for vertiports and maintenance facilities, operations and safety management, demand generation, commercial feasibility, and community engagement.
This commercialization push builds on recent infrastructure planning in the region. On October 1, 2026, SkyDrive announced a collaboration with Osaka Metro under a Cabinet Office Super City research project. That study focuses on converting existing rooftop emergency helipads on urban buildings into operational vertiports to support the planned flight network.
Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, SkyDrive is developing the SD-05 to serve short-distance urban air mobility markets. The aircraft is a three-seat electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicle, configured for one pilot and two passengers.
The SD-05 utilizes 12 motor rotors and has a maximum takeoff weight of 1,400 kilograms. It is designed to operate at a maximum cruising speed of 100 km/h, with an operational range between 15 and 40 kilometers. The manufacturer conducted technical validation and demonstration flights of the SD-05 during Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, which concluded earlier in the year.
MUFG Bank has been a primary financial supporter of the manufacturer’s development program. In July 2025, the financial institution led an ¥8.3 billion Pre-Series D funding round for SkyDrive, providing the capital required to transition from prototype testing to commercial operational planning. To support this transition, SkyDrive also restructured its executive leadership team on October 1, 2026, to focus on global commercialization.
The transition from technical demonstration to commercial operation remains the primary hurdle for the global eVTOL sector. By formalizing a commercialization study with a major financial institution like MUFG Bank and a regional transit operator like Osaka Metro, SkyDrive is addressing the infrastructure and capital requirements that often stall advanced air mobility projects. The focus on converting existing rooftop emergency helipads into vertiports indicates a pragmatic approach to infrastructure development, bypassing the high costs and zoning challenges associated with building new, dedicated urban landing sites.
Developing the Kansai Air Transportation Network Concept
SkyDrive’s SD-05 aircraft and financial backing
AirPro News analysis
Photo Credit: SkyDrive
Technology & Innovation
Infleqtion and Honeywell Develop Chip-Scale Optical Cavity
Infleqtion, Honeywell Aerospace, and UCSB fabricate a chip-scale optical cavity for quantum sensors and aerospace timing systems.
Infleqtion, Honeywell Aerospace, and the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) have developed a chip-scale optical cavity prototype that shrinks laser-stabilization hardware from tabletop instruments down to handheld size. The component, fabricated at Honeywell Aerospace’s photonics foundry and announced on October 6, 2026, paves the way for fieldable quantum sensors and timing systems in aerospace applications.
In a press release issued Tuesday, Infleqtion detailed the successful fabrication of the integrated optical cavity on a silicon nitride chip. The milestone leverages semiconductor-style manufacturing processes to enable mass production of compact quantum hardware, targeting precision navigation and atomic timing for both aerospace platforms and commercial infrastructure.
Optical cavities serve as critical hardware components that stabilize lasers used in quantum computers, atomic clocks, and quantum sensors. Historically, these components have been large, fragile tabletop instruments. This physical footprint has severely limited their deployment in field environments, mobile platforms, and aerospace applications where space and weight are constrained.
The new prototype utilizes silicon nitride photonic integration processes to reduce the spatial footprint of these systems. By transitioning the optical cavity to a chip-scale format, the collaboration aims to make quantum sensors viable for integration into aircraft, satellites, and remote infrastructure.
Pranav Gokhale, Chief Technology Officer at Infleqtion, stated that while quantum technology holds incredible potential, realizing that potential requires making the systems smaller, more stable, and manufacturable at scale. He described the prototype as a direct result of combining academic research, advanced fabrication capabilities, and deep quantum systems knowledge.
The foundation for the new optical cavity technology stems from Infleqtion’s January 29, 2024, acquisition of SiNoptiq Inc., a photonic technology startup founded by Dr. Daniel J. Blumenthal. Blumenthal currently serves as Distinguished Professor at UCSB and Chief Photonics Architect for Infleqtion. The design work was conducted jointly by Infleqtion’s engineering team and UCSB’s OCAQ Group, led by Blumenthal, with facilitation by the UCSB Office of Technology & Industry Alliances.
Fabrication took place at Honeywell Aerospace’s photonics foundry, utilizing silicon nitride integration processes the company has developed over the past decade. Honeywell Aerospace provides microelectronics and radiation-hardened integrated circuits for aerospace systems. By using established semiconductor-style manufacturing processes, the optical cavity can be produced at scale across existing commercial facilities rather than requiring bespoke laboratory construction.
The prototype announcement follows a period of structural and strategic expansion for Infleqtion. In 2026, the pure-play quantum technology company became a publicly listed entity on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker INFQ. The company builds neutral-atom quantum computers, quantum sensing products, and quantum networking systems for commercial customers and US government agencies, including the Department of Defense and NASA.
Beyond hardware miniaturization, Infleqtion is expanding its software and error-correction capabilities. On September 29, 2026, the company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Riverlane to advance quantum error correction and fault-tolerant computing in the United Kingdom. The combined hardware and software developments target applications ranging from precision aerospace navigation to atomic timing for data centers and telecommunications networks. The transition of quantum hardware from laboratory environments to fieldable aerospace applications hinges entirely on miniaturization and ruggedization. By successfully fabricating an optical cavity on a silicon nitride chip, Infleqtion and Honeywell Aerospace are addressing one of the primary bottlenecks in quantum sensor deployment. We view the use of existing semiconductor foundry processes as particularly significant, as it shifts the production model from bespoke, low-yield manufacturing to scalable commercial fabrication. This capability will be essential for integrating quantum-enabled precision navigation and timing systems into next-generation aircraft and satellites, where size, weight, and power constraints dictate system viability.
Miniaturizing quantum hardware for aerospace
The path to chip-scale production
Commercial and strategic expansion
AirPro News analysis
Photo Credit: Infleqtion
Technology & Innovation
Airbus UpNext Completes Optimate Automated Ground Operations Campaign
Airbus UpNext concludes its three-year Optimate demonstrator, logging 500 tarmac hours testing AI-assisted gate-to-gate ground operations.
Airbus UpNext has concluded its three-year Optimate demonstrator test campaign, completing a series of trials evaluating automated gate-to-gate operations for commercial aircraft. The project tested advanced sensors and artificial intelligence to assist pilots with ground navigation at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in France.
Announced in a press release on October 8, 2026, the conclusion of the campaign marks a milestone in the manufacturer’s strategy to address anticipated airport congestion. With the global commercial aircraft fleet projected to nearly double over the next two decades, Airbus is focusing on smart automation to reduce crew workload and improve ground efficiency without removing human oversight.
The Optimate campaign utilized a three-phase testing methodology to validate its systems. Engineers began with virtual simulation before moving to ground-testing with the “Optibus,” a fully electric experimental truck fitted with a virtual replica of an Airbus A350 flight deck. The final phase involved full-scale trials on an Airbus A350-1000 test aircraft.
During the campaign, the demonstrator spent 500 hours testing on the tarmac and 14 hours in the air. Jonathan Rigaud, Airbus UpNext Optimate Director, stated the demonstrator allowed the company to evaluate, de-risk, and mature cutting-edge technologies at an accelerated pace.
“By testing early and incrementally, first digitally, then on the Optibus, and finally in the air, we were able to refine our algorithms with real-world feedback on safety and operational improvements while reducing fuel burn associated with flight testing,” Rigaud said. The technological suite tested during the Optimate campaign included multi-sensor data fusion utilizing computer vision, light detection and ranging (LIDAR), and 4D radar. To achieve centimeter-level positioning in areas where satellite navigation is compromised, the project incorporated experimental quantum sensing. The demonstrator also tested hybrid connectivity arrangements combining high-bandwidth 5G, satellite communications, and traditional radio channels to maintain data links in connectivity dead zones around heavy airport infrastructure.
The Optimate demonstrator builds upon foundational work from previous Airbus automation projects. Airbus UpNext, a wholly owned subsidiary designed to build and test flight demonstrators, has systematically advanced the manufacturer’s smart automation roadmap over the past eight years.
On June 1, 2018, Airbus launched the Autonomous Taxi, Take-Off & Landing (ATTOL) project, which laid the groundwork for future automation research by proving aircraft could navigate using image recognition. In November 2020, the company launched the UpNext DragonFly demonstrator project. DragonFly explored automated emergency operations and taxi assistance, verifying operational relevance and scaling data processing capabilities.
The Optimate campaign, which began its testing phase in 2023, advanced this research by testing end-to-end smart automation across taxiing, pilot assistance, dynamic trajectory protection, and digital communication systems.
The underlying driver for the Optimate project is the projected growth of the global aviation sector. Industry forecasts indicate the global commercial aircraft fleet will nearly double over the next 20 years. Because physical airport infrastructure, including runways, taxiways, and gate capacities, cannot easily expand at the same rate, ground congestion is expected to increase significantly. Airbus maintains that its automation strategy remains pilot-centric. The technologies evaluated during the Optimate campaign are designed to manage complex ground variables and reduce crew workload, rather than replacing human pilots on the flight deck.
Airbus has not announced a specific deployment timeline or entry-into-service date for the Optimate technologies. The company noted that the operational lessons learned from the three-year campaign will feed into a variety of future Airbus engineering programs.
The conclusion of the Optimate campaign highlights a pragmatic shift in aerospace automation research. While early industry discussions often centered on fully autonomous flight, Airbus is directing its immediate automation resources toward the ground. By focusing on taxiing and gate operations, the manufacturer is targeting the most complex, variable-heavy phases of a commercial flight profile. We view this pilot-centric approach as a necessary step to secure regulatory buy-in, as it frames artificial intelligence as a workload-reduction tool rather than a crew replacement. The use of quantum sensing for centimeter-level positioning also indicates that manufacturers are actively preparing for environments where traditional GPS and satellite navigation are degraded or jammed, a growing operational concern in commercial aviation.
Phased testing and sensor integration
The evolution of Airbus automation research
Preparing for fleet expansion
AirPro News analysis
Photo Credit: Airbus
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