Hexcel, Safran sign composites agreement for LEAP-1 engines
Hexcel's HexTow IM7 carbon fiber will be used to manufacture all LEAP-1 engine fan blades and containment cases for the Airbus A320 NEO, the Boeing 727MAX and the COMAC 919.
Hexcel (Stamford, Conn., USA) and Safran reported on June 19 that they have signed a long-term contract for the supply of composite materials for LEAP-1 (developed by CFM International) engine programs. The contract covers Hexcel’s HexTow IM7 carbon fiber that will be used to manufacture all LEAP-1 engine fan blades and containment cases, including the LEAP-1A selected for the Airbus A320 NEO; the LEAP-1B selected for the Boeing 737MAX and the LEAP-1C selected for COMAC 919.
Under the terms of the contract Hexcel will also supply Safran with HexPly carbon prepreg for the manufacture of A320 NEO nacelles.
“This contract is the culmination of a long term relationship between Safran and Hexcel which started more than 30 years ago, based on innovation and continuous improvements to further increase the penetration of composite materials in aerospace engines," comments Nick Stanage, Hexcel president and COO. “We thank Safran for their commitment and look forward to our ongoing supply of high-performance, weight-saving carbon fiber and prepregs.”
“Composite materials will take more and more room in Safran's Products and Hexcel is our partner to sustain the growth," says Xavier Dessemond, vice president purchasing of Safran.
“Hexcel has been accompanying us for years in the development of key materials for the success of the LEAP-1 Engines as well as for nacelle structures.”
The LEAP engine family is a product of CFM International, a 50/50 joint company between Snecma (Safran) and GE.
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