GE Aviation Distribution Japan has been awarded a contract worth some 18.8 billion Japanese Yen 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 contract includes 12 units due for delivery from late 2021.
In 2003, the CF6-80C2 was selected to power this aircraft, and GE worked with JMOD and Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd to develop a large indigenous transporter.
After successful completion of the development programme in 2017, GE Aviation supplied 26 CF6-80C2K1F propulsion systems which included nacelle system and thrust reversers to support the aircraft production programme.
To conform with JMOD’s initiative to optimise its acquisition programme and cost-reduction efforts, GE Aviation has continued to work with the Ministry 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 deal, JMOD expects to achieve an acquisition cost reduction of as much as 4.8 billion Japanese Yen.
GE Aviation will continue to work with JMOD for the remainder of its propulsion system requirement in the future.