The CF6 Engine Types and Characteristics

For 45 years, the CF6 engine family has established an impressive operational record. CF6 engines have compiled nearly 430 million flight hours since they first entered commercial revenue service in 1971. Certified to power more than 13 different aircraft types, the CF6 has accumulated more than 115 million flight cycles in service.

Long Distance RANGE

The Qantas flight from Dallas to Brisbane is one of the world’s longest nonstop commercial flights, and GE’s CF6 engines help make it possible. The flight (Qantas flight QFA8) from Dallas, Texas to Brisbane, Australia uses a B 747-400 aircraft and is powered by four GE CF6 engines. The flight typically lasts over 15 hours and covers nearly 8,500 miles. It means tourists traveling from North America can start their dream vacations in Australia the very next day.

Extended Operations RANGE

The CF6-80A and -80C2 engines are known for their high reliability, and this was evident during extended twin operations (ETOPS) testing. Both engines received 180-minute ETOPS approval on the B 767, and the CF6-80C2 engine received 138-minute ETOPS approval on the A300 and A310 aircraft that allowed twin-engine aircraft operations over large bodies of water.

Models of ENGINES:

CF6-6

In the spring of 1968, both United Airlines and American Airlines selected the 40,000 pound thrust GE CF6-6 to power their Douglas DC-10 Series 10 aircraft. As a result, GE began its 45-year legacy in commercial aviation.

CF6-50

Selected to power the DC-10 series 30 aircraft, and later selected to power the new Airbus A300 and Boeing 747, the CF6-50 is a 46,000-54,000 pound thrust derivative of the CF6-6.

CF6-80A

In the late 1970s, an advanced model in the CF6 family was introduced for new short-to-medium range commercial jets. The CF6-80A was selected to power two new twinjets, the Boeing 767 and Airbus A310.

CF6-80C2

Currently certified on 12 widebody aircraft models and with 16 ratings, the CF6-80C2 has accumulated over 200 million flight hours in service.

CF6-80E1

By designing the CF6-80E1 specifically for the Airbus A330, GE was able to bring together the newest technology, lowest weight, lowest fuel burn, and enable operators to maximize the potential of their A330 aircraft.