Evendale Ohio -- The CF6-80E1 engine took to the skies today, marking the start of flight-testing on the first Northrop Grumman KC-30 aircraft which is under consideration for the United States Air Force (USAF) KC-X tanker replacement program. During the four-hour first flight, the CF6-80C1 engine demonstrated aircraft systems and instrumentation functionality, climbed to numerous mission altitudes and established the engine performance baseline for flight-testing. 



"The engine performed extremely well, and we look forward to delivering the benefits of our broad commercial experience throughout the test-flight campaign," said Al DiLibero, general manager of the F110 program. The highly reliable and efficient CF6-80E1 engine has amassed close to four million flight-hours powering A330 aircraft. 



First flight follows two important program milestones. In June, GE's CF6-80E1 engine completed one million takeoffs/landings, or cycles, which is a significant milestone in an engine's life. In March, Qatar Airways set a time-on-wing record for CF6-80E engines, accumulating more than 4,300 cycles (more than four years of service) on the airlines A330 aircraft. 



GE and CFM engines currently power more than 80% of the U.S. Air Force tanker fleet, and the CF6 engine family is in service with more than 250 customers around the globe, with 6,800 engines delivered to date. GE continues to invest heavily in technology improvements for the CF6-80E1 engine. These advancements, along with proactive maintenance and operational procedures, have increased the engine's time on wing from 1,500 cycles to 2,500 cycles (67 percent increase) in the last four years. 



Northrop Grumman Corporation selected GE CF6-80E1 engines to power the KC-30 in March 2007. Its KC-30 Tanker carries 45,000 more pounds of fuel than KC-135 aircraft, providing a significant boost to the USAF's global reach. It is also designed to refuel Navy and coalition aircraft, and to serve as a multi-role transport aircraft to move passengers, cargo and medical evacuation patients. 



GE Aviation, an operating unit of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is a world-leading provider of commercial and military jet engines and components as well as integrated digital, electric power, and mechanical systems for aircraft. GE Aviation also has a global service network to support these offerings. 



* CFM56 engines are produced by CFM international, a 50/50 joint company between Snecma (SAFRAN Group) and General Electric Company.