History of the CFM56-5A Turbofan Engine

Specifically designed to power the short- to medium-range Airbus A320, the 22,000 to 26,500 pound thrust CFM56-5A is a cost-effective, advanced derivative engine of the CFM56-2 and CFM56-3 families. Respectively rated at 22,000 and 23,500 pounds of thrust, the CFM56-5A is perfectly optimized for the shortened Airbus A319. Benefiting from the experience of the CFM56-3, which had accumulated over nine million flight hours at the CFM56-5A's entry into service, the CFM56-5A is characterized by enhanced efficiency of all components and an improved thermodynamic cycle. Equipped with a 3-D aerodynamic fan design and a Full Authority Digital Electronic Control (FADEC) that efficiently unifies aircraft and engine systems, the CFM56-5A specific fuel consumption is 10-11 percent lower compared to its predecessors, resulting in a 15-17 percent fuel burn advantage for a typical A320 mission. In addition to its large noise and emissions margins versus FAA and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements, the CFM56-5A demonstrates an impressive dispatch reliability rate: less than one delay or cancellation per 1,600 aircraft departures due to engine causes for the A320/CFM56-5A association.