General Electric CF6-50

General Electric CF6-50 series engines are high-bypass turbofan engines rated between 46,000 to 54,000 pound thrust. It was launched in 1969 to power long range McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30. It was derived from the earlier CF6-6 which powered McDonnell Douglas DC-10-10.

In late 1969 the CF6-50 was selected to power the then new Airbus Industrie A300. Air France became the launch customer for the A300 by ordering six aircraft in 1971.

In 1975, KLM was the first airline to order the Boeing 747 powered by the CF6-50. This led further developments to the CF6 family such as the CF6-80.

The military application includes the Airborne Command Post version of the 747, the E-4A and the KC-10A Extender Cargo Tanker.