Customers on Board
Tech CF6 Engine Upgrade: Setting a New Standard

Finnair has become the first customer to select CF6-80E1 engines incorporating the new high-pressure turbine (HPT) that is part of GE’s innovative Tech CF6* engine upgrade program. These engines will power the airline’s eight twin-engine, fuel-efficient Airbus A330-300* aircraft.

Delivery of Finnair’s engines will begin in March 2009. “Finnair has had great operational experience with our current CF6-powered MD-11* aircraft,” says Jukka Hienonen, president and CEO of Finnair. “With this new, improved turbine airfoil technology, we are looking forward to the new efficient engines saving fuel and the environment and providing even better reliability.”

Nippon Cargo Airlines will be the first customer to take delivery of production CF6-80C2 engines with all-new Tech CF6 HPT hardware. The new engines will power the airline’s four Boeing 747-400F* aircraft on order.

Seamless System Integration
In addition to the Tech CF6 HPT hardware being standard on new production engines, all individual Tech CF6 upgrade elements are also available to enhance existing fleets. GE began development of the Tech CF6 upgrade for the CF6-80C2 and -80E1 engine models in 2006 to bring advanced technology into the engine’s high-pressure compressor (HPC), combustor and HPT components. The upgrades incorporate proven materials, coatings and design technologies that increase fuel efficiency, improve reliability and lower cost of ownership.

In response to customer input, the program offers piece-part interchangeability that provides operators the flexibility to replace individual parts as needed or through full-set incorporation.

“The Tech CF6 engine upgrades have been validated in both rig and engine testing, providing customers the confidence of seamless system integration,” says Colleen Athans, general manager of the CF6 Engine Project at GE. “This upgrade program has been structured around customer economics and is a reflection of GE’s commitment to infusing leading-edge technology into our existing products.

“Now that Tech CF6 is in the field, we are seeing a lot of customer interest—especially in the program’s inherent flexibility, which is key,” says Athans. “As an à la carte package of offerings, Tech CF6 presents customers with a suite of upgrade options. Customers select the upgrades that provide the best payback for their budget and unique operational needs.”

Tech CF6 Engine Upgrades

High-pressure compressor (HPC): Tech CF6 reduces maintenance costs by creating a more damage-tolerant HPC. This is achieved with modifications to the mid-span shroud, enabling the Stage 1 blade to become more impact resistant. Compressor durability and performance are further enhanced by adding erosion coatings to several stages of blades and vanes.

	The enhanced blade will reduce Stage 1 HPC blade-driven unscheduled engine removals by up to 25%. The special coatings will reduce erosion-related scrap by up to 50%.

Combustor: Tech CF6 improves durability with enhancements to the lower-emissions combustor liner, reducing the frequency for repairs commonly experienced on that component. This design improves temperature distribution in an environment characterized by extreme temperatures and thermal variations.

Tech CF6’s advanced multi-hole inner liner will be available both as a replacement part and as a three-panel replacement repair, an upgrade that is expected to provide operators with significant cost-of-ownership benefits.

High-pressure turbine (HPT): The biggest technology enhancement introduced through the Tech CF6 engine upgrade program is in the HPT airfoils. The upgrade strengthens HPT airfoil durability through proven technology advancements in design and coatings for turbine blades and nozzles.

	The patented tip shelf cooling and new tip diffuser holes on the Stage 1 blade provide for more stable clearances and deliver up to 5°C improvement in EGT margin retention and 0.5% in fuel burn retention. New shank coatings for the HPT Stage 1 and 2 blades also reduce corrosive dirt accumulation and cracking.
	Nozzle durability enhancements in the cooling air configuration and internal rib design deliver scrap benefit and reduce life-cycle costs. These enhancements provide significant operational benefits, prolonging engine life and improving reliability.

Tech CF6 Availability