The Australian Defense Force (ADF) has launched a new CFM56-7 application with an order for engines to power seven new Boeing 737 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft.
The CFM56-7 is produced by CFM International, a 50/50 joint company between Snecma (Safran Group) of France and General Electric of the United States.
"This is a key win for CFM; the CFM56-7-powered 737 was chosen after months of competitive evaluation against other platforms," said Karl Matson, director of CFM Military Programs. "The order, which continues CFM's long tradition of service on military special use applications, brings the benefits of the most advanced technology in the commercial marketplace to our military customers."
The ADF is scheduled to begin taking delivery of its new 737 AEW&C aircraft in 2004/2005. The AEW&C is a derivative of the 737-700 IGW (increased gross weight) aircraft commercially available as the Boeing Business Jet. This platform is designed to operate at heavier weights to carry more fuel for greater range. The CFM56-7 engine is rated at 27,300 pounds takeoff thrust for this application. This is the second military application for this engine. In 1998, the U.S. Navy selected a CFM56-7-powered 737 variant.