EVENDALE, Ohio -- The Australian Defense Forces has ordered five EADS/Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft powered by General Electric Co. (GE) jet engines for the Royal Australian Air Force. The engine order is valued at more than $100 million USD.
GE's CF6-80E1 engine will power these A330 MRTT, which will be introduced into military service in Australia beginning in 2007. Engine deliveries will begin in 2006.
GE's CF6 engine family powers military transports throughout the world. However, this is the first time the engine has been selected to power the Airbus A330 in a military application. The CF6-80E1, rated at 72,000 pounds of thrust, powers the A330-200.
"GE has a strong relationship with the Royal Australian Air Force in powering its helicopters and F/A-18s," said Andy Solem, general manager of Turbofan and Turbojet Programs at GE Aircraft Engines' Military Systems. "We are excited about building upon this relationship by working closely with EADS/Airbus and the Royal Australian Air Force as it moves to expand its air-to-air refueling capabilities."
The GE CF6 engine family has been among the most reliable and best-selling commercial engines, powering more than 10 models of wide-body aircraft in service throughout the world. In recent years, the engine family has also played a major role in military aviation, powering transports, tankers and surveillance aircraft.
The CF6 engine is also no stranger to Australia. The country's Qantas Airways Limited has operated CF6-powered wide-body aircraft for 16 years, as well as CF6-80E1-powered A330-200 commercial aircraft since late 2002.
GE Aircraft Engines (GEAE), part of GE Transportation of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is one of the world's leading manufacturers of jet engines for civil and military aircraft, including engines produced by CFM International, a 50/50 joint company of Snecma Moteurs and GE. In addition, GEAE provides comprehensive maintenance support, through its GE Engine Services operation, for GE and non-GE jet engines in service throughout the world.