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General Electric CF6-50 series engines are high-bypass turbofan engines rated between 46,000 to 54,000 pound (205 to 240 kN) thrust.
Basic aero engine
It was launched in 1969 to power long range McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30. It was derived from the earlier CF6-6 which powered McDonnell Douglas DC-10-10. The CF6-6 was itself a development of the military General Electric TF39.
In late 1969 the CF6-50 was selected to power the then new Airbus Industrie A300. Air France became the launch customer for the A300 by ordering six aircraft in 1971.
In 1975, KLM was the first airline to order the Boeing 747 powered by the CF6-50. This led further developments to the CF6 family such as the CF6-80.
Military derivative
In military service the engine is designated the F103 and powers the following,
- E-4B - Four converted 747s serving as the National Airborne Operations Center
- VC-25 - The two 747-200s better known as Air Force One
- KC-10A Extender - Strategic Cargo Tanker
- C-5M Galaxy - The upgraded version of the strategic airlifter
- 767 AWACS
Marine and industrial derivatives
The CF6-50 has also been developed into LM2500 industrial and marine turboshaft engines. It delivers 33,600 shp with a thermal efficiency of 37%. It has been used in various applications such as in US Navy warships, hydrofoils,hovercraft and fast ferries. Currently over 1,000 LM2500 gas turbines have been in service for more than 26 international navies.
The LM2500+ is a Combined Diesel And Gas (CODAG) engine powering cruise liners. A CODAG unit is a combination of basic LM2500 engine and electrical propulsion system. Queen Mary 2, the world's largest transatlantic cruise liner, uses 2 LM2500+ CODAG units.
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