CF6 Engines to Power United States Air Force KC-45A Tanker Replacement Program

Released on Monday, March 03, 2008

March 3, 2008 -- CINCINNATI, OH -- General Electric Company CF6 engines will power the Northrop Grumman KC-45A aircraft, which was selected Friday by the United States Air Force (USAF) for its tanker replacement program.

The USAF KC-X program calls for 179 tankers and is the first of three phases to begin replacing the USAF tanker fleet. Including engines, thrust reversers, the flight management system, and services, the approximate value to GE is more than $5 billion (USD) over the life of the program. Initial production engines are scheduled to be delivered in 2010.

"We are extremely pleased to support the Air Force in its number one acquisition priority, and we look forward to delivering a breadth of capability throughout the life of this program," said Scott Donnelly, president and chief executive officer of GE Aviation.

Northrop Grumman Corporation selected the GE CF6-80E1 engine, which has accumulated almost four million flight-hours in commercial operation on the Airbus A330 aircraft, on which the KC-45A is based. The KC-45A will benefit from a Tech CF6 program, launched in 2007 to incorporate advanced technology into the engine's high-pressure turbine area. New technologies include high-pressure turbine airfoil cooling advancements that will enhance operational reliability, lower maintenance costs and improve fuel burn retention.

The KC-45A Tanker carries 45,000 more pounds of fuel than current tanker aircraft, providing a significant boost to the USAF's global reach. It is also designed to refuel Navy and coalition aircraft, and to serve as a multi-role transport aircraft to move passengers, cargo and medical evacuation patients. The CF6 engine family is in service with more than 250 customers worldwide, including Australia and Saudi tankers, almost 7,000 engines delivered to date.