General Electric CF6-50

General Electric CF6-50 series engines are high-bypass turbofan engines rated between 46,000 to 54,000 pound (205 to 240 kN) thrust. The CF6-50 has also been developed into the LM2500 industrial and marine turboshaft engines.

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