Lockheed Martin, together with Airbus, decided to choose GE Aerospace as their engine supplier for the proposed LMXT aircraft tanker.
Recently, Lockheed Martin suggested the U.S. Air Force use its strategic tanker proposal for the agency's KC-135 recapitalization plan.
The U.S. government first constructed the KC-135 tanker in the 1950s. This American military aerial refueling tanker aircraft was based on the Boeing 367-80 prototypes.
It has served the U.S. Air Force well throughout the years. However, due to its age, the U.S. government now wants to recapitalize the aircraft.
Lockheed Martin Chooses GE Aerospace as Engine Supplier for LMXT
According to The Defense Post's latest report, Lockheed Martin and Airbus chose GE Aerospace because its engines are proven to be effective.
"GE's CF6 engine is selected for the LMXT due to its proven durability, reliability, and performance," said Lockheed Martin via Flight Global.
The defense technology corporation is specifically talking about the advanced CF6-80E1.
This engine is specifically designed for the A330, making it compatible with the LMXT tanker (the LMXT tanker aircraft is based on the A330 multi-role tanker transport design).
The CF6-80E1 engine has strong technological advancements compared to the older CF6 models. Among its advanced features is nearly 70,000lb of thrust, as well as 15% greater fuel efficiency.
Why Aerospace GE's CF6?
Over the past years, the CF6 engines of the Aerospace GE powered over 70% of the global wide-body airplanes.
Entering service back in 1971, the CF6 aircraft engine family already has over 8,500 systems delivered as of press time.
The Aerospace GE offered its CF6 engine in 25 military and 10 commercial variants.
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Executive Vice President Greg Ulmer said that aircraft tanker models would be critical in meeting future mission requirements.
Because of this, he believes that LMXT needs to have proven and capable technologies, such as the CF6 engine.
"This partnership with GE further demonstrates how the LMXT will strengthen and diversify the critical US tanker industrial base," said Ulmer.
The latest partnership of Lockheed Martin with Aerospace GE was announced during a press briefing on Tuesday, June 6.
About LMXT Strategic Tanker
Lockheed Martin said that its LMXT strategic tanker could forge a path to the U.S. Air Force's next-generation air-refueling system.
The aerospace agency added that LMXT combines greater fuel offload at range with connected 21st-century security technologies.
Lockheed Martin further stated that LMXT is ready to bring Air Force personnel to the fight in the future battle space.
If you want to learn its exact features, you can visit Lockheed Martin's official website.
