Safran reveals M88 T-REX engine with increased thrust for future Rafale upgrades

By Defence Industry Europe

At the Paris Air Show, French aerospace company Safran has presented the M88 T-REX, a higher-thrust evolution of its existing M88 engine. Designed for future upgrades of the Dassault Aviation Rafale fighter jet, the new engine version delivers increased performance, reaching 9 metric tons of thrust with afterburner.

 

The M88 T-REX incorporates several targeted improvements to achieve this enhanced capability. These include an improved low-pressure compressor for greater airflow, a high-pressure turbine using advanced materials and cooling circuits, and a redesigned nozzle with optimised aerodynamics.

Despite the performance boost, the engine maintains the core benefits of the current M88, such as compact size, modularity, fuel efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, compatibility between the modules of the M88 T-REX and the existing M88 is expected to simplify maintenance and fleet management.

 

 

“We’re proud to be launching this engine project, which will push the boundaries of the M88’s performance to meet the evolving needs of our armed forces customers in an increasingly unstable geopolitical context,” said Christophe Bruneau, Executive Vice President of Military Engines at Safran Aircraft Engines. “Development of the M88 T-REX will also enable us to expand our technology portfolio, benefiting our entire product range and strengthening national sovereignty.”

Safran has begun conducting risk reduction studies in preparation for the engine’s development phase. The M88 T-REX is planned to be qualified in time for the entry into service of the Rafale F5 standard.

 

 

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