GE Aviation awarded propulsion systems contract by JMOD

Air July 16, 2020

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.

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 optimise 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). The contract includes 12 units due for deliveries, starting from late 2021.

GE Aviation will continue to work with JMOD for the remainder of their propulsion system requirement for the forthcoming years.