US-Produced CF6 Engines to Power A330-Based Tanker

Lockheed Martin and Airbus announced the selection of GE Aerospace's CF-6-80E1 propulstion system for the LMXT strategic tanker project.

The LMXT is slated to be Lockheed's KC-135 replacement option, built on the base of the Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) already in service abroad. Stateside production of the CF6 engine is expected to support more than 3,000 direct and indirect American jobs across 25 states, on-shoring critical production capacity for a strategically vital weapon system.

The CF6 family has been a part of 5 full decades of aircraft development, being used on heavy duty aircraft like the C-5M Super Galaxy. The -80E1 variant is the best of the breed to date, offeirng 70,000 pounds of thrust and 15% greater fuel economy than previous models.

"America's tanker fleet will play a critical role in meeting future mission requirements. This means the LMXT must use capable and proven technologies, such as the MRTT strategic tanker and GE Aerospace's CF6 engine," said Greg Ulmer, executive vice president, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. "This partnership with GE further demonstrates how the LMXT will strengthen and diversify the critical U.S. tanker industrial base."

"I join thousands of Airbus employees across the U.S. in welcoming GE to the great American  team that will build the LMXT for our Air Force," said C. Jeffrey Knittel, chairman and CEO, Airbus Americas. "The A330 MRTT has been refueling U.S. aircraft in combat since 2015, and I look forward to seeing a GE-powered LMXT step into that role, providing a level of capability that U.S. forces have clearly shown they need."

"The LMXT strategic tanker is the optimal aircraft for GE's CF6-80E1 engine. Developed exclusively for the A330, the unmatched CF6 engine offers a combination of outstanding reliability, durability, and time on wing, all of which are critical requirements for a military tanker," said Amy Gowder, president of GE Aerospace's Defense & Systems arm.

FMI: www.lockheedmartin.com