Snecma's M88-2 military turbofan, which powers the Dassault Rafale fighter, reached the end of its development phase and entered series production in April. The first of 42 production engines so far ordered by the French Government are due to be delivered in late 1996.
Snecma is examining possible upgrades for the M53-P2, which powers the Dassault Mirage 2000-5, to increase the aircraft's range by reducing fuel consumption. The manufacturer is also studying reduced turbine temperatures and a "considerable increase in hot-section lifetime".
Source: Flight International
