French aerospace company Safran has secured a contract to provide support for Qatar’s Rafale fighter jet engines.
The agreement will cover repairs, overhauls, spares, and associated services for the M88 engines installed in 36 Rafale units.
This project will also deliver on-site technical support and additional maintenance optimization for the armed forces.
“We are honored to sign this Agreement with the Qatar Armed Forces, which strengthens Safran Aircraft Engines’ world-class support,” Safran Aircraft Engines Executive VP Christophe Bruneau stated.
“We have a long-standing and trusted relationship with the Qatar Armed Forces. Following the successful entry into service of the M88 with the Qatar Armed Forces’ Rafale fleet, we’re now stepping up our support arrangements to pace their increasing use of M88 engines.”
The M88 Engine
The M88 engine is an afterburning turbofan-type system specifically designed for the Rafale aircraft.
It has a maximum thrust of 16,900 pound-force and an average fuel consumption between 3,900 kilograms (8,800 pounds) and 12,600 kilograms (27,900 pounds) per hour.
According to Safran’s product portal, M88 can be removed and reinstalled on an aircraft in just one hour.
“Safran Aircraft Engines has been a key partner supporting the Qatar Armed Forces successful operations for more than 4 decades,” Qatar Armed Forces Air Support & Logistics Commander Brig. Khalid Saed al Hamad said.
“We are delighted to strengthen our long-term partnership with the company through this agreement and we look forward to seeing the benefits brought by Safran Aircraft Engines for our flight operations support.”
