Latest CF6 Enters Service

The General Electric CF6-80E1A3-latest version of the venerable CF6-is slated to enter service on an Air France Airbus A330-200 in December. But first, GE needs to get engine certification, which is scheduled for next month in the U.S. and September in Europe.

At 72,000-pounds-thrust the -80E1A3 will have the highest thrust rating of any CF6. It features the R88DT high-pressure turbine rotor also used on the CF6-80C2, and a new, three-dimensional aerodynamic compressor. The result will be lower operating temperatures, increased exhaust gas temperature margin, and more time on-wing, GE contends. The upgrades are slated to find their way onto other -80E engines as well.

The -80E1A3 is being promised as a FAA 36 Stage 4 compliant engine. And, along with other engines in its family, it is designed to be compatible with more restrictive pollution requirements taking effect in 2004.

CFM International, a joint venture of GE and Snecma, reports that its CFM56-7 is now entering service on two more aircraft, the Boeing 737-900 and the U.S. Navy's C-40A, a military version of the 737-700 on show here at Le Bourget. The Navy so far has bought six C-40As, and is slated to purchase more.