BETHESDA, Md., June 6, 2023
/PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) and Airbus leaders
announce the selection of GE Aerospace's CF6-80E1 propulsion system
for the LMXT strategic tanker. The LMXT is Lockheed Martin's
solution for the U.S. Air Force's KC-135 recapitalization plan and
is built on the combat-proven design of the A330 Multi Role Tanker
Transport (MRTT).
Production of GE's CF6 engine for the LMXT is anticipated to
support more than 3,000 direct and indirect American jobs,
including in highly skilled advanced manufacturing, engineering,
and testing. In total, the LMXT's engine production alone will
incorporate work in more than 25 states.
"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."
Powering nearly 70% of the world's wide-body aircraft, GE's CF6
engine family encompasses more than 50 years of aircraft propulsion
history. The CF6 engine first entered service in 1971, with a
history of service on major commercial and military platforms such
as the Lockheed Martin C-5M Super Galaxy. GE has delivered more
than 8,500 CF6 engines to date, powering 10 unique commercial and
military aircraft with 25 variants.
GE's CF6 engine is selected for the LMXT due to its proven
durability, reliability and performance. Designed specifically for
the A330, the CF6-80E1 variant offers strong technological
advancements over previous CF6 engines, including nearly 70,000
pounds of thrust and 15% greater fuel efficiency.
"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 announcement follows a competitive selection process focused
on delivering a best-value solution to the U.S. Air Force. In
selecting an engine that is already in use on multiple U.S. Air
Force platforms, the LMXT aligns with a common supply chain and
existing knowledge base that can translate to increased mission
readiness rates.
"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 and CEO, GE Aerospace's Defense & Systems
business.
"GE Aerospace is proud to join longtime partners Lockheed Martin
and Airbus on the LMXT."
The manufacturer selection follows previous announcements that
Lockheed Martin and Airbus will expand operations in Georgia, Alabama and Arkansas to support future LMXT manufacturing,
assembly and configuration. The LMXT will first be produced as an
A330 airliner at Airbus' U.S. Manufacturing Facility in
Mobile, Alabama, before being
configured for strategic tanking at the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
facility in Marietta, Georgia.
Airbus will produce the LMXT's aerial refueling boom system in
western Arkansas.
Built on the combat-proven design of the MRTT, the LMXT
features a fully certified automatic air-to-air refueling (A3R)
boom, Enhanced Vision System and integrated JADC2 suite — key
differentiators in operational theaters like the
Indo-Pacific. As the strategic tanker of choice for 14 nations
around the world, the MRTT currently refuels fighter, transport and
maritime patrol aircraft for the U.S. and allied partners.
As the prime contractor, Lockheed Martin works directly to
implement U.S. Air Force-specific requirements within the LMXT. For
additional information, visit the LMXT website:
lockheedmartin.com/lmxt.
About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin (NYSE:
LMT) is a global security and aerospace company that employs
approximately 116,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged
in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and
sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and
services.
Please follow @LMNews on Twitter for the latest
announcements and news across Lockheed Martin.
About Airbus in the U.S.
Airbus is a global pioneer in
the aerospace industry, operating in the commercial aircraft,
helicopters, defense and space sectors. Airbus' 28 sites across the
U.S. include advanced manufacturing facilities for commercial
aircraft, satellites, and civil and military helicopters. For more
than 50 years, Airbus has delivered advanced products and services
to support the U.S. government's most complex defense, security,
space, and intelligence missions. Airbus aircraft are flown by the
U.S. Army, Navy, and Coast Guard, as well as by NASA, U.S. Customs
and Border Protection and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
About GE Aerospace
GE Aerospace is a world-leading
provider of jet engines, components and systems for commercial and
military aircraft with a global service network to support these
offerings. GE Aerospace and its joint ventures have an installed
base of more than 40,000 commercial and 26,000 military aircraft
engines, and the business is playing a vital role in shaping the
future of flight. For more information, visit us at
GEAerospace.com.
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SOURCE Lockheed Martin Aeronautics