Engine Overview
In the late 60's, Lockheed and Douglas joined the commercial widebody competition with their tri-jet offerings designed to serve high density, medium-range routes. At this point in time GE had much of the TF39 R&D behind them and was ready to move forward with a new engine design, the CF6-6, modeled after the TF39 for use on the Douglas DC-10 and Lockheed L-1011.
After a fierce engine competition between Pratt & Whitney, Rolls Royce, and GE, both United Airlines and American Airlines in the spring of 1968 selected the 40,000 pound thrust GE CF6-6 to power their Douglas DC-10 Series 10 aircraft.
As a result, GE began its more than 40-year legacy in commercial aviation.
