Pratt & Whitney, an RTX enterprise, has secured a three-year contract valued at as much as $1.5 billion to maintain F119 engines – which energy the US Air Drive‘s F-22 fighter jets – utilizing additive manufacturing strategies. The contract will enhance readiness and scale back prices for an F119 fleet of greater than 400 engines which have flown over 900,000 engine flight hours.
“The F119’s readiness and reliability charges have by no means been extra necessary, and we’re bettering each whereas decreasing lifecycle prices,” stated Jill Albertelli, President of Army Engines at Pratt & Whitney. “We’re dedicated to serving to our US Air Drive buyer preserve the F-22’s fight edge.”
The F-22 Raptor’s two F119 engines generate over 35,000 kilos of thrust – enabling altitudes above 65,000 toes with unmatched pace and agility. Not like many fighter jets, the F-22 can obtain and preserve supersonic speeds with out afterburners, a strategic characteristic often known as supercruise that conserves gasoline and extends operational vary.
Pratt & Whitney has lowered prices on its F119 engines by its ongoing Utilization Primarily based Lifing program, which leverages real-time information to reinforce upkeep effectivity and prolong engine life – whereas additionally bettering the engine’s kinematic efficiency with an engine management schedule replace. This newest contract will proceed these readiness and price financial savings efforts with a deal with security, availability, simplicity of upkeep, and modernization initiatives.
