Generously donated by Cincinnati-based CFM International, a technological and engineering marvel now resides in Hitchcock Hall's north lobby. A CFM56-3 turbofan jet engine—once capable of producing 23,500 pounds of thrust—is on display for the enjoyment and education of Ohio State students and visitors.
CFM is an equal collaboration between Ohio-based GE Aviation and French engine-maker Snecma. Nearly 23,000 CFM engines have been delivered to more than 500 customers around the world. Today, there are more CFM56 engines in service than any other commercial turbofan in the world.
When Boeing selected CFM to provide the sole powerplant for its 737-300/-400/-500 series of aircraft in 1981, both companies optimistically predicted they would sell about 400 airplanes; 4,496 engines and 1,989 airplanes later, the CFM56-3-powered 737 is a story for the record books.
The next generation CFM engine, LEAP, has been selected by Airbus, Boeing and COMAC to power each of their new single-aisle aircraft, scheduled to enter service in the 2016 / 2017 time frame.
On January 16, the College of Engineering hosted leaders from CFM International, GE Aviation, and other Ohio aerospace industry leaders to celebrate the engine donation and display. In remarks delivered at the reception, Dean David B. Williams and Professor Mike Benzakein commended and thanked GE Aviation for their continued support of aerospace engineering education and research at Ohio State.
(l to r) GE Aviation Chief Engineer & Technology Officer Gary Mercer, GE Aviation Preliminary Design Manager Rick Donaldson, GE Aviation Chief Consulting Engineer Steve Tefft, Director, Executive Partnerships in Aerospace, Aviation and Flight Mike Benzakein, College of Engineering Dean David Williams, CFM International Executive Vice President Chaker Chahrour, Senior Vice President for Advancement Michael Eicher, and International TechneGroup CEO Mike Lemon.
