RAF Celebrates 10 Years of Service with CFM56-2-Powered E-3D AWACS Fleet
Published on 25th March 2001
CFM56 engines are produced by CFM International, the world's leading supplier of commercial aircraft engines and a 50/50 joint company between Snecma Moteurs (Safran Group), France, and General Electric, U.S.A.
The "Sentry" provides the RAF with extensive airborne command and control capability and is considered the biggest force multiplier since air-to-air refueling. The CFM56-2 gives the four-engine British AWACS considerable combat advantages, including 25 percent better fuel burn and much higher altitude capabilities compared to similar aircraft equipped with other engine types.
The 24,000-pound thrust CFM56-2A engines have maintained outstanding performance and reliability levels in 10 years of operation with the RAF. The aircraft have required minimal logistical support under all operational conditions, both at the main and forward operating bases. For example, the RAF has flown 20,000 AWACS flight hours over Bosnia. In 2,500 missions, only two sorties were not completed due to engine problems. In addition, the "Sentry" has maintained a reputation within the Lincoln area as an extremely quiet, clean aircraft compared to other applications operating from this airfield.
In addition to the RAF AWACS, the CFM56-2 also powers other military applications, including more than 400 re-engined KC-135R tanker aircraft for the U.S. Air Force and four French AWACS.
Initially forming No. 8 Squadron, the seven Royal Air Force AWACS aircraft are now distributed into No. 8 and 23 Squadrons which together constitute the E-3D component of the NATO Airborne Early Warning, Command and Control Force.
Share this article
About CFM International
ABOUT CFM INTERNATIONAL
A 50/50 joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines, CFM International has redefined international cooperation and helped change the course of commercial aviation since its founding in 1974. Today, CFM is the world’s leading supplier of commercial aircraft engines with a product line that sets the industry standard for efficiency, reliability, durability, and optimized cost of ownership. CFM produces the LEAP family of engines and supports LEAP and CFM56 fleets for operators worldwide. For the future of air transport, CFM’s RISE program is accelerating development of new propulsion technologies that will pave the way for the next generation of aircraft. Discover more at www.cfmaeroengines.com