EVENDALE, OHIO - December 14, 2010 -- GE Aviation's CF6-80C2 engine turned 25 years old in October, and GE expects the engine to continue powering aircraft for another 20 to 25 years.
With more than 3,800 engines delivered, the CF6-80C2 engine is GE's best-selling widebody engine and set a GE record for the longest running commercial engine production line. The CF6-80C2 engine is certified to power 12 wide-body applications, including the Boeing 767s, 747s and MD-11s, Airbus A300 and A310s, Boeing 767 AWACS and Tanker, CX Tanker and C-5M Super Galaxy. The engine has accumulated more than 173 million flight hours and 40 million cycles, which is equivalent to 380,000 trips to the moon.
"The CF6-80C2 engine has evolved since it entered service in 1985," said Chuck Williams, general manager of the CF6 program at GE Aviation. "The engine's time on wing has continued to grow since 1992 and averages about 13,000 hours for a mature shop visit. In 2008, the engine added the latest Tech CF6 technologies into the high pressure turbine to improve performance retention over time, which lowers overall fuel burn and corresponding CO2 emissions."
According to Williams, the future remains strong for the CF6-80C2 engine. It continues to garner orders and has deliveries targeted though 2020. CF6 technology improvements, such as a low emissions combustor and advancements in the high pressure turbine technology, will maximize customer value well into the 21st century.
GE's CF6 engines have been among the most utilized and reliable in the industry. The engine family has established an unparalleled record of reliability and has compiled more than 355 million flight-hours in service with more than 260 customers worldwide.
GE Aviation, an operating unit of GE (NYSE: GE), is a world-leading provider of jet and turboprop engines, components and integrated systems for commercial, military, business and general aviation aircraft. GE Aviation has a global service network to support these offerings. For more information, visit us at www.ge.com/aviation
