General Electric is studying the application of its recently developed "boltless turbine" to the entire range of CF6-80C2 and -80E1 turbofans as it perfects the technology for the newest -B7F1 and -B8F versions.
The boltless turbine improves performance, reduces parts count, weight and cost, and is being introduced for the first time on the CF6-80C2B7F1 engine for the Boeing 767-400ER. The -B7F1 is rated at the same thrust levels as current 767 powerplants, and has been selected by Delta Air Lines for the -400ER which it will introduce into service in 2000.
The next growth step, the 283kN (63,500lb) thrust -B8F, is in final development and will be certified at the end of 1998 says CF6 project general manager, Roger Seager. "We've just finished testing the first shipset and we already have good SFC [specific fuel consumption] results," he adds. "We're trying to do two things: we're making sure we haven't penalised ourselves in terms of performance degradation while at the same time reducing SFC."
GE says that the company is "still in discussion" with Continental Airlines over final selection of either the -B8F or the -B7F1 for its 767-400ERs on order. "We already have Boeing agreement in terms of qualifying both engines," Seager adds.
Source: Flight International
