LOCKHEED TEAMS WITH GE FOR C-5D NDAA BID.

MARIETTA, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 14, 1995--Lockheed Aeronautical Systems Company (LASC) has selected the General Electric (GE) CF6-80C2 propulsion system to power the C-5D military transport. The C-5D, a modernized version of the C-5, will be LASC's bid for the U.S. Air Force Non-Developmental Airlift Aircraft (NDAA) program. Under the agreement, GE also will be responsible for 10 years of contractor logistics support for the C-5D propulsion system.

According to Al Hansen, LASC vice president for Airlift Programs, both GE and Pratt & Whitney submitted fine competitive bids. Ultimately the GE CF6 was selected on the basis of best value to the government.

Hansen said that Lockheed is not challenging the Air Force's preferred choice of the C-17 to meet its airlift requirements. He emphasized, however, that if the Air Force decides to supplement its C-17 fleet with either a commercial or another military airlifter, Lockheed is committed to an aggressive campaign to ensure that the modernized C-5D is selected. Hansen added that a strong team of cost-conscious, experienced suppliers will support Lockheed in submitting a very competitively priced and high-quality C-5D supplement for the C-17.

The Powerful CF6, flat rated at 50,000 pounds of thrust, will give the C-5 a tremendous boost in performance when compared with the C-5B's 43,000 pounds of thrust per engine. According to LASC C-5 Program Director, Bill Amdt, the GE propulsion system offers numerous advantages that will make the C-5D the state-of-the-art heavy logistics airlifter of the 21st century.

"The CF6-80C2 will have a projected dispatch reliability of 99.9%, or less than one departure delay per 1000 departures. Derate of the engine will further enhance engine life to an estimated time between removal in excess of 10,000 hours. This proven powerplant with over 20 million hours in commercial service requires a maintenance rate five times less frequent than the current C-5 TF39 engine," said Amdt.

The increased thrust of the CF6-80C2 allows the C-5D to carry a 220,000 pound payload 3,200 nautical miles from an 8,000 foot runway. The C-5D's additional thrust will allow it to have a 50% improvement in lift capability over the "A" and "B" model C-5s. With the additional climb thrust available, the C-5D can operate in the North Atlantic Track System after take-off at its maximum 2.5g take-off weight limit of 769,000 pounds. Range at maximum payload of 261,000 pounds remains the same as for the "A" and "B" models, around 2,400 nautical miles.

"It will be able to climb to a cruising altitude of 32,000 feet in about 20 minutes and because C-5s have an in-flight refueling system, their range is virtually unlimited," added Amdt.

The C-5D's propulsion system features the use of a commercial off-the-shelf nacelle. This nacelle and the GE CF6-80C2 allows the C-5D to satisfy FAR (Federal Air Regulations) Stage III noise requirements.

The improved powerplant will complement other enhancements to the C-5D. Its avionics suite features the latest technology multi-function, color, flat-panel displays, and an integrated communication/navigation system, along with a digital automatic flight control system. The C-5D will incorporate many other reliability and maintainability improvements that will greatly reduce the required maintenance below the current level of 15 maintenance man hours per flight for the C-5B.

Hansen also pointed out that all the modernization features of the C-5D can be readily retrofitted into the current C-5A/B fleet.

CONTACT: Lockheed Aeronautical Systems Company, Marietta

Julius Alexander, 404/494-9818