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
-
![British Army's Project Nyx progress reflects MoD investment in autonomous system]()
British Army's Project Nyx progress reflects MoD investment in autonomous system
The UK MoD said it would narrow down the competitors from four to two later in the year, with those selected going on to develop the prototype drone that will operate as loyal wingman to the British Army’s Apache AH-64E helicopters.
-
![UH-60M Black Hawk: export demand underpins $13 billion market opportunity]()
UH-60M Black Hawk: export demand underpins $13 billion market opportunity
The UH-60M is the latest variant of the UH-60, a workhorse multirole helicopter that continues to attract further orders from across the globe. With further modernisation upgrades underway, the platform is expected to remain in operation until 2050.
-
![SOF Week 2026: DroneShield moves to double its production capacity in the US]()
SOF Week 2026: DroneShield moves to double its production capacity in the US
The DroneShield US subsidiary is rapidly expanding its manufacturing footprint in the country and has expedited the process to double its domestic production capacity in at least four months.
-
![Next-generation tactical UAS: Advancing European defence capabilities]()
Next-generation tactical UAS: Advancing European defence capabilities
As Europe confronts its most unstable security environment since the Cold War, defence planners recognise that advanced, dependable and flexible Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) are central to a force that competes and prevails on today’s battlefield.
