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USAF Orders Additional CFM56-2 Engines
LE BOURGET - June 16, 2003 - The U.S. Air Force
(USAF) has released funding to purchase eight additional CFM56-2
engines to re-engine two RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft for delivery
in 2004. The order is valued at approximately $31 million. The CFM56-2
engine (designated the F108 for military applications) is produced
by CFM International (CFM), a 50/50 joint company between Snecma
Moteurs of France and General Electric Company. The USAF is CFM’s
largest customer and has ordered 1,800 CFM56-2s to reengine 425
aircraft.
“The RC-135 and KC-135 re-engining continues to be among
the most successful modernization programs in USAF history,”
said Al DiLibero, general manager of CFM’s Military Engine
Programs. “The F108 is ideally matched to the KC-135 and RC-135
missions, and its economic benefits have provided the USAF with
tremendous value in terms of fleet operations, commonality, and
maintenance costs.”
The F108 engine that powers the RC-135 is rated at 22,000 pounds
(98 kN) thrust, providing the aircraft with extended range, improved
reliability, and lower maintenance costs than the original TF33
engines. The F108-powered KC-135 is capable of off-loading more
fuel to receiver aircraft than the original tanker version, with
significantly better engine fuel consumption, longer time on station,
and higher altitudes. CFM is actively working with both the USAF
and Air National Guard to re-engine the remaining KC-135E fleet,
which would encompass more than 100 aircraft. Since the first F108
was first delivered in 1984, the fleet has logged more than 8 million
flight hours and has accumulated the most reliable engine record
in the USAF inventory.
In addition to the KC-135 and RC-135 programs, the CFM56-2 also
powers KC-135 tanker aircraft for the French, Turkish and Singapore
air forces, as well as the Boeing 707 based E-3 Airborne Early Warning
and Control System (AWACS) aircraft for the British, French, and
Saudi air forces, and the 707-based E-6A communications aircraft
for the U.S. Navy.
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For further information, contact:
Jamie Jewell
33.1.41.57.55.51
jamie.jewell@ae.ge.com
U.S.: 513.243.6890
Rick Kennedy
33.1.41.57.60.02
rick.l.kennedy@ae.ge.com
U.S.: 513.243.3372
Vincent Chappard
33.1. 41.57.55.30
vincent.chappard@snecma.fr
Paris: 33.1.40.60.80.18
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