GE has signed an agreement with FADEC International – an equally owned joint venture between BAE Systems and Sagem (Safran group) – to form a 50-50 joint venture to develop and produce the Full-Authority Digital Electronic Control (FADEC) for CFM International's next generation engine, the LEAP.

The fuel efficient LEAP turbofan engine is designed to power future narrow body commercial aircraft. The engine, designed by CFM International, a 50-50 partnership between GE and Snecma (Safran group), has been selected for the Airbus A320neo and the Comac C919.

"We look forward to continuing our longstanding partnership with GE in developing and fielding what will be our most advanced engine control design", said Dr. Ehtisham Siddiqui, vice president and general manager for BAE Systems' commercial avionics business.

"This is the fourth generation of FADEC, which represents a real breakthrough in comparison with the previous generation; this first application is paving the way to address a large panel of future high-performance aero-engines", said Jean-Michel Hillion, executive vice president of Sagem and general manager for the "Safran Electronics" division.

FADEC International will provide extensive experience in the design, integration, development, production and support of Full-Authority Digital Electronic Controls for aircraft engines and related specialized technologies. Additionally, the joint venture will develop FADEC for GE's TECH-X engine, designed for smaller aircraft.

The FADEC governs engine fuel flow, controls variable engine geometries, interfaces with the engine thrust reverser, and performs advanced functions such as electronic engine overspeed protection. FADEC International and its heritage organizations have been the FADEC System supplier to GE since 1984.