EVENDALE, Ohio -- Northrop Grumman Corporation has selected GE CF6-80E1 engines to power KC-30 aircraft that will compete for the U.S. Air Force Tanker Replacement Program, the KC-X. 



"We are excited to be part of the KC-30 team and look forward to capitalizing on our successful relationship with Northrop Grumman on other programs, such as the B-2," said Russ Sparks, president of GE Military Systems. "The CF6-80E1 engine is an excellent fit for the KC-30 and its mission." The highly reliable and efficient CF6-80E1 engine has amassed more than 3.7 million flight-hours powering A330 aircraft. 



Northrop Grumman's KC-30 Tanker carries 45,000 more pounds of fuel than KC-135 aircraft, providing a significant boost to the U.S. Air Force'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. 



A final request for proposal for the KC-X competition is expected in April, 2007 with contract award targeted for the final quarter of 2007. 



GE and CFM56 engines currently power more than 80% of the U.S. Air Force tanker fleet, and the CF6 engine family supports more than 250 customers around the globe, with 6,700 engines delivered to date. 



GE Aviation, an operating unit of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is one of the world's leading manufacturers of jet engines for civil and military aircraft. GE also is a world-leading provider of maintenance and support services for jet engines. 



CFM56 engines are produced by CFM international, a 50/50 joint company between GE and Snecma.