GE Aerospace has been chosen by Lockheed Martin to supply engines for the LMXT Strategic Tanker

Lockheed Martin and Airbus officials confirmed the LMXT strategic tanker will use GE Aerospace’s CF6-80E1 propulsion system. The Lockheed Martin LMXT is Lockheed Martin’s answer for the US Air Force’s KC-135 recapitalization programme, and it is based on the combat-proven A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT).

More than 3,000 direct and indirect American employment are expected to be supported by the production of GE’s CF6 engine for the LMXT, including highly skilled advanced manufacturing, engineering, and testing. The engine production alone for the LMXT will include operations in more than 25 states.

“America’s tanker fleet will be critical in meeting future mission demands.” This implies that the LMXT must rely on capable and proven technology like the MRTT strategic tanker and GE Aerospace’s CF6 engine,” stated Greg Ulmer, executive vice president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. “This collaboration with GE demonstrates how the LMXT will strengthen and diversify the critical tanker industrial base in the United States.”

GE’s CF6 engine family has more than 50 years of aircraft propulsion history, powering almost 70% of the world’s wide-body aircraft. The CF6 engine initially saw service in 1971, and has since been used on a variety of commercial and military platforms, including the Lockheed Martin C-5M Super Galaxy. To date, GE has delivered over 8,500 CF6 engines, powering ten distinct commercial and military aircraft with 25 modifications.