CFM's RISE Open Fan Engine Advances Toward Flight Test Demonstration
BY Composights
Published: 23 Jul 2026
Share :
CFM International has announced that its RISE (Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines) program has reached another major milestone, with the Open Fan propulsion system advancing toward a flight test demonstration as development of the next-generation aircraft engine continues.
Introduced in 2021, the RISE program is one of the aviation industry's most extensive engine technology initiatives, bringing together multiple advanced propulsion concepts aimed at significantly improving aircraft efficiency while reducing emissions.
To date, the program has completed approximately 500 technology test campaigns and more than 3,000 endurance cycles, covering key innovations including the Open Fan architecture, compact engine core, and hybrid-electric propulsion technologies. These evaluations are intended to validate performance, reliability, and durability before flight testing.
.png)
The Open Fan engine is designed to deliver more than 20% lower fuel consumption compared with today's commercial aircraft engines in service. The program places strong emphasis on safety, operational durability, and fuel efficiency while supporting the aviation industry's long-term sustainability objectives.
The flight demonstration will provide an opportunity to validate the engine's performance in real operating conditions and generate critical data for future commercial aircraft applications. The Open Fan concept combines advanced aerodynamics with next-generation propulsion technologies to improve propulsive efficiency while helping reduce carbon emissions.
The RISE program also incorporates advanced lightweight materials, including ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) and composite fan blades and fan containment structures, which are designed to withstand higher operating temperatures while reducing engine weight. These advanced materials play a key role in improving thermal efficiency, durability, and overall engine performance.
By progressing toward flight testing, CFM continues to advance technologies that could define the next generation of single-aisle commercial aircraft, supporting future propulsion systems capable of meeting increasingly demanding environmental and operational requirements.
Source: CFM International | News
