Lockheed Martin selects GE engines for LMXT USAF tanker offering
The LMXT variant of the A330 MRTT will be powered by GE CF6-80E1 engines. (Image: Lockheed Martin)
Lockheed Martin has announced the selection of GE Aerospace’s CF6-80E1 turbofan for the LMXT strategic tanker.
The LMXT is Lockheed Martin’s solution for the USAF’s KC-135 recapitalisation plan (known as KC-Y or Bridge Tanker) and is based on the Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT).
‘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 VP, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. ‘
Related Articles
Lockheed picks two sites for LMXT production
Farnborough 2022: Airbus A330 MRTT gains certification for automatic refuelling
US Air Force grows KC-46A tanker fleet
Designed specifically for the A330, the CF6-80E1 variant offers technological advancements over previous CF6 engines, including nearly 70,000lb and 15% greater fuel efficiency.
The LMXT has a certified automatic air-to-air refuelling (A3R) boom, Enhanced Vision System and integrated JADC2 suite.
The USAF announced in March 2023 it would be halving the number of KC-Y tankers it originally planned to buy in the next decade from roughly 150 to about 75.
Citing expectations of potential future conflicts in contested airspace, ‘the approach is meant to ensure future tankers will be able to survive a war in which they are likely targeted’.
The first delivery of KC-Y aircraft is expected to be in 2029 following the final deliveries of the ongoing KC-46 project. The USAF will issue a formal request by the end of 2023, according to a Congressional Research Service estimate.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Pentagon’s 800% PAC-3 MSE surge faces production bottleneck as Patriot demand soars]()
Pentagon’s 800% PAC-3 MSE surge faces production bottleneck as Patriot demand soars
The Pentagon wants to procure 3,203 PAC-3 MSE interceptors in FY2027, but production constraints and international demand could impact efforts to rebuild depleted missile stocks.
-
![AIM-260 JATM deal puts Australia’s missile-industrial ambitions in focus]()
AIM-260 JATM deal puts Australia’s missile-industrial ambitions in focus
While a potentially accelerated acquisition timeline could strengthen the RAAF’s long-range air combat capability, Canberra’s continued reliance on US missile production is also put under the spotlight in parallel to its push to build a sovereign industry.
-
![Attack drones versus CUAS – the future of warfare or just another trend?]()
Attack drones versus CUAS – the future of warfare or just another trend?
Demand signals for counter-drone technology are strong and the market is becoming crowded, but is this really the beginning of a new phase of warfare or will commentators be talking about something else 10 years from now?
