GE Aerospace names chief mechanic for Open Fan

GE Aerospace has named Craig Higgins as Chief Mechanic and Architect for Open Fan technology, prioritizing the producibility, durability, and maintainability of next-generation engine designs still in development.

In the newly created role, Higgins will lead strategies for a simple, lightweight engine concept that emphasizes durability by leveraging the CFM RISE* program’s advanced technologies, architectures, and materials. This includes working with technicians and other experts across GE Aerospace’s global assembly and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) shops to incorporate the latest techniques for enabling more on-wing repairs and part replacements.

Arjan Hegeman, vice president for future of flight at GE Aerospace, said, “With the RISE program, we’re advancing a suite of pioneering technologies to meet our customers’ needs for the future of flight. This marks the first time we’ve named a Chief Mechanic during technology development, making durability and maintainability a top priority in engine design with an uncompromising commitment to safety.”

Higgins has more than 40 years’ experience in the aerospace industry, joining GE Aerospace in 1997 as a design engineer. In his most recent role, he was a consulting engineer for the RISE program.

Unveiled in 2021, the CFM RISE program is one of the aviation industry’s most comprehensive technology demonstrators with more than 350 tests and more than 3,000 cycles of endurance tests completed to date, including tests on advanced engine architectures like Open Fan, compact core, and hybrid electric systems. The RISE program prioritizes safety, durability, and efficiency, targeting more than 20% better fuel burn compared to commercial engines in service today.

CFM RISE program technologies are maturing toward ground and flight tests this decade with work underway on aircraft and engine integration in collaboration with partners.

*Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines (RISE) is a technology demonstration program of CFM International, a 50-50 joint company between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines. It is not a product.