After developing the TF39 for the C-5 Galaxy in the late 1960s, GE offered a more powerful variant for civilian use, the CF6, and quickly found interest in two designs being offered for a recent Eastern Airlines contract, the Lockheed L-1011 and the McDonnell Douglas DC-10.
Despois de desenvolver o TF39 para o C-5 Galaxy a finais dos anos 60, GE ofreceu unha variante máis potente para o uso civil, o CF6, e rapidamente atopou interese en dous deseños ofrecidos nun contrato recente de Eastern Airlines, o Lockheed L-1011 e o McDonnell Douglas DC-10.