History of the CFM56-2 Turbofan Engine

The CFM56 success story began when the CFM56-2 entered service in 1982. This engine was certified at 24,000 pounds thrust by the FAA and DGAC, and is the first high-bypass 10-ton thrust engine of the CFM56 family. CFM emphasized technology and customer satisfaction from the start. There are now more than 20,000 CFM56 engines of all types in service. Developed from the advanced GE military F101 "core," the CFM56-2 features high performance with large fuel consumption savings and meets, with margin, current noise and emission requirements for new aircraft. Furthermore, the CFM56-2 is the first high-bypass ratio engine to meet stringent FAR 33-6 ingestion rules. Following its outstanding performance and reliability during the re-engined Boeing 707 flight test program, the CFM56-2 was selected in 1979 to re-engine McDonnell Douglas commercial DC-8 aircraft for VIP and transport applications. With proven low fuel burn for extended range and excellent takeoff performance from hot airfields, the CFM56-2 has also been selected by major military forces such as the USAF, USN, FAF, and RAF to power their re-engined or new KC-135R, C-135FR, E-3, KE-3 and E-6 tactical and strategic aircraft. F108 is the engine's U.S. military designation. Considered the standard for military engine reliability, the CFM56-2A, which provides up to a 90-percent reduction in the area impacted by aircraft noise, is now proposed for NATO's re-engining program for AWACS aircraft.

CFM56-2 maintainability, built-in by modular design and advanced condition monitoring, along with its low shop visit and engine shutdown rates, are the foundations of CFM56 high reliability, leading to the customer's confidence in the CFM56 family. Today, the U.S. Air Force is still CFM's largest customer, with more than 450 re-engined aircraft in service.