LEAP-X

Japan-based Kikuchi Gear has secured a contract from Snecma (Safran) to supply titanium-aluminide (TiAl) blades for CFM International LEAP engine’s low-pressure turbine.

The companies have signed a long-term agreement to this effect.

Kikuchi Gear, which has been working with Snecma to test and develop TiAl blade, plans to ramp-up production of the engine blades from 2016.

The company is setting-up a manufacturing plant in Ashikaga city, near its head office. It will feature integrated production line from machining process to non-destructive testing.

"We’re ready to meet the challenging requirements by making the most of our resources for the success of this project."

Snecma purchasing vice-president Etienne Galan said: "Snecma can see the potential and persistence in the performance of Kikuchi Gear, which proves their high level of skills and technical expertise needed for the TiAl blade project."

Kikuchi Gear has expertise in gear production and serves automobile, aerospace, and construction machinery industries in Japan.

Kikuchi Gear president and CEO Yoshinori Kikuchi said: "For Kikuchi Gear, this is the first time to take part in the new engine programme with Snecma, but we’re ready to meet the challenging requirements by making the most of our resources for the success of this project."

LEAP engines are being produced and marketed by CFM International, a 50:50 joint venture of Snecma (Safran) and GE.

Image: A full-size mock-up of the CFM LEAP-X engine. Photo: courtesy of KGG1951 / Wikipedia.