GE Aviation Distribution Japan has been awarded a contract valued at 18.8 billion Japanese Yen (USD $203 million) from the Japan Ministry of Defense (JMOD) for CF6-80C2K1F Propulsion Systems to power Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) C-2 transport aircraft. The JASDF C-2 is positioned as a key strategic aircraft for “mobile/deployment capability” which is a part of Japan’s “Priorities in Strengthening Core Elements of Defense Capability”. In 2003, the CF6-80C2 was selected to power this important platform and GE actively worked with JMOD and Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. to develop a large indigenous transporter. The contract includes 12 units due for deliveries, starting from late 2021.
The Kawasaki C-2 (previously XC-2 and C-X) is a mid-size, twin-turbofan engine, long range, high speed military transport aircraft developed and manufactured by Kawasaki Aerospace Company. In June 2016, the C-2 formally entered service with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). There are ongoing efforts to sell it overseas to countries such as New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates. The aircraft is to supplant and replace the older Kawasaki C-1 turbofan transport that has been in service since the 1970s. The Kawasaki C-2 is a long range twin-engine transport aircraft. In comparison with the older C-1 that it replaces, the C-2 can carry payloads up to four times heavier, such as MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile batteries and Mitsubishi H-60 helicopters, and possesses six times the range.
After successful completion of the development program in 2017, GE Aviation supplied 26 CF6-80C2K1F propulsion systems which included nacelle system and thrust reversers to support the aircraft production program. In alignment with the initiative of the JMOD to optimize acquisition program and cost reduction efforts, GE Aviation has continued to work with JMOD to exercise a consolidated procurement of CF6 propulsion systems over the last few years. As a result, JMOD successfully obtained the budget for the initial 12 units for the JFY2020 contract. With this contract, JMOD expects acquisition cost reduction by as much as 4.8 billion Japanese Yen (USD $44.6 million). GE Aviation will continue to work with JMOD for the remainder of their propulsion system requirement for the forthcoming years.
GE Aviation, a subsidiary of General Electric, is headquartered in Evendale, Ohio, outside Cincinnati. GE Aviation is a world-leading provider of jet and turboprop engines, components, integrated digital, avionics, electrical power and mechanical systems for commercial, military, business and general aviation aircraft GE Aviation is part of the General Electric conglomerate, which is one of the world’s largest corporations. The division operated under the name of General Electric Aircraft Engines (GEAE) until September 2005. GE Aviation’s main competitors in the engine market are Rolls-Royce and Pratt & Whitney. GE operates two joint ventures with Safran Aircraft Engines of France, CFM International and CFM Materials.
