General Electric TF39
General Electric TF39 is a high-bypass turbofan engine rated from 43,000 to 46,300 lb (191 to 205 kN). manufactured by General Electric. It was developed for the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy transport aircraft.
Technological features
It is a revolutionary 1960's engine. It is the world's first high-bypass turbofan engine and the parent of the successful General Electric CF6 series engines (see General Electric CF6-50 and General Electric CF6-80). It employed a lot of then new technological features such as
- 1 1/2 stage fan blades (unique to TF39)
- 8-to-1 bypass ratio
- variable stator vanes
- turbines equipped with advanced cooling
- fuel efficiency better than any available engines then
- cascade-type thrust reversers
Since introduction, the TF39 has benefited directly from CF6 design technology –components, materials, processes, manufacturing techniques, and repair processes.
Derivatives
The TF39 begat the CF6 series engines which are the most successful big-thrust turbofans of all time. The TF39 has gone to sea in the form of the derivative General Electric LM2500 marine and industrial engine.
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