Safran has unveiled an upgraded M88 engine variant for future Rafale fighter jet iterations.
Called the M88 T-REX, the engine will produce a thrust of 9 metric tons (88.2 kilonewtons/19,841.6 pounds) with afterburners, an increase of 20 percent over the current M88.
A pair of M88s power the 25-ton Rafale, each generating a thrust of 75 kilonewtons (16,900 pounds).
The increased thrust of the new engine will address the future variant’s power needs, allowing the addition of new sensors, communications, and digital processing equipment.
This will be achieved while retaining the baseline variant’s shape and size, allowing the new variant, Rafale 5, to maintain its airframe design.
Cost and characteristics are also likely to remain similar to the existing engine.
“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,” the executive vice president of the Military Engines Division at Safran Aircraft Engines, Christophe Bruneau, said.
“Development of the M88 T-REX will also enable us to expand our technology portfolio, benefiting our entire product range and strengthening national sovereignty.”
Enhanced Thrust
For enhanced thrust, the engine will incorporate significant upgrades for greater airflow intake, such as an improved low-pressure compressor.
Additionally, new materials and advanced cooling circuits will be added to allow the engine’s high-pressure turbine to operate at higher temperatures, and the nozzle will be optimized aerodynamically.
“With these enhancements, the M88 T-REX will retain the key advantages of the current M88 in terms of size, modularity, fuel efficiency and cost of ownership, while delivering 20% more thrust,” the French aerospace firm stated.
Moreover, maintainability and fleet management will be simplified due to commonality in modules of the two variants.
The engine’s qualification is aligned with the planned induction of the Rafale F5 in the early 2030s.
Risk reduction studies are being undertaken by Safran ahead of the engine’s development.
