The U.S. Dept. of Defense approved a $2.85-billion contract for CFM International to provide F108 engine supplies through October 2029, a contract that includes one five-year option. CFM International is a joint-venture of GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines that develops turbofan engines, which are manufactured separately by the two venture partners.
F108 is the military designation for the CFM56 turbofan engine, a high-bypass, two-shaft engine that is widely used for commercial jets – but also notably for military cargo and tanker jets. The four-engine Boeing KC-135 midair refueling jet is the most significant military aircraft using the engine.
For the CFM56/F108, GE Aerospace produces the high-pressure compressor, combustor, and high-pressure turbine, and Safran produces the fan, gearbox, exhaust and low-pressure turbine. Other components are sourced from different suppliers, and each venture partner handles final assembly for engines it is contracted to supply.
Although the Pentagon now plans to replace the KC-135 with the twin-engine KC-46 tanker, there remain numerous KC-135s in service with the U.S. Air Force and allied nations, and defense planners expect those aircraft to continue operating for many years.
