Engines
U.S. Navy, Air Force Develop Cost-Saving CFM56 Mod
With a new modification, CFM56s powering U.S. Air Force KC-135Rs and U.S. Navy E-6Bs will burn less fuel and require less maintenance than the older CFM56-2s currently powering the aircraft.  (Photo: Chris Pocock)
With a new modification, CFM56s powering U.S. Air Force KC-135Rs and U.S. Navy E-6Bs will burn less fuel and require less maintenance than the older CFM56-2s currently powering the aircraft. (Photo: Chris Pocock)

The U.S. Navy and Air Force, working with the CFM International joint venture, have developed an engine modification that increases the efficiency and extends the on-wing time of CFM56-2 (F108) turbofans powering the Navy’s E-6Bs and Air Force KC-135Rs.