The Use of the CFM56 Engine in the KC-135 Tanker

The use of a commercially designed and developed product for the installation and utilization in an existing military application offers new, interesting and fresh challenges. Aside from the normal minor tailoring and modification of the product required to meet the user's specifications, one must also consider variations in the standard maintenance and support patterns and procedures necessitated by the introduction of a commercial turbofan engine. However, the challenges were workable and solutions were established so that the use of the commercial CFM56 engine in this military KC-135 application has developed into a very successful marriage.