Lockheed Martin, one of the world’s largest defense contractors, has recently announced that it has selected an engine to strengthen its case for the interim tanker acquisition by the US Air Force. The company has chosen the CF6-80C2 engine, which is manufactured by General Electric (GE), to power its KC-10 Extender tanker aircraft.
The KC-10 Extender is a military aerial refueling aircraft that is used by the US Air Force to provide in-flight refueling to other aircraft. The aircraft is based on the DC-10 commercial airliner and has been in service since the 1980s. However, the KC-10 fleet is aging and needs to be replaced or upgraded to meet the demands of modern warfare.
The US Air Force has been looking for a replacement for the KC-10 fleet for several years. In 2018, the Air Force issued a request for proposals (RFP) for an interim tanker acquisition program. The program aims to acquire up to 15 new tanker aircraft to replace the aging KC-10 fleet until a permanent replacement can be found.
Lockheed Martin is one of the companies that has submitted a proposal for the interim tanker acquisition program. The company has proposed to upgrade the existing KC-10 fleet with new engines, avionics, and other systems to extend their service life. The upgraded KC-10s would be powered by the CF6-80C2 engine, which is a proven and reliable engine that has been used on commercial airliners for decades.
The CF6-80C2 engine is a high-bypass turbofan engine that produces up to 62,000 pounds of thrust. It is known for its fuel efficiency, low noise levels, and low emissions. The engine has been used on a wide range of commercial airliners, including the Boeing 747, 767, and 777, as well as the Airbus A300, A310, and A330.
Lockheed Martin’s selection of the CF6-80C2 engine is a strategic move to strengthen its case for the interim tanker acquisition program. The engine is a proven and reliable choice that has a long track record of success in commercial aviation. By using a commercial engine on a military aircraft, Lockheed Martin can offer a cost-effective solution that meets the Air Force’s requirements for performance, reliability, and affordability.
In addition to the CF6-80C2 engine, Lockheed Martin has proposed other upgrades to the KC-10 fleet, including new avionics, communications systems, and defensive systems. The company’s proposal also includes a plan to modernize the aircraft’s cockpit and flight deck to improve situational awareness and reduce pilot workload.
Lockheed Martin’s proposal for the interim tanker acquisition program is still under review by the US Air Force. The Air Force is expected to make a decision on the program in the coming months. If Lockheed Martin’s proposal is selected, it would be a significant win for the company and would help to secure its position as a leading provider of military aircraft and systems.
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- Source: Plato Data Intelligence.