Quantcast

Sky Industry News

US Air Force awards $1.5 billion contract for F119 engine sustainment
Policy
Webp received 1525855554742806
US Air Force F-22 Raptor | Wikipedia

The United States Air Force has awarded a $1.5 billion contract to Pratt & Whitney for the sustainment of F119 engines, which power the F-22 Raptor. The contract includes Usage Based Lifing (UBL), a data-driven approach to engine maintenance that could save the U.S. government nearly $800 million over the program's lifecycle.

Jill Albertelli, president of Military Engines at Pratt & Whitney, emphasized the importance of maintaining readiness and reliability while reducing costs: “The F119’s readiness and reliability rates have never been more important, and we are improving both while lowering lifecycle costs. We are committed to helping our U.S. Air Force customer maintain the F-22’s combat edge.”

Caroline Cooper, Executive Director of F119 engines for Pratt & Whitney, explained how UBL leverages real-time flight data to optimize maintenance schedules: “Through UBL, we leverage real-time flight data to track the actual wear and tear on engine parts... We use this data strategically to support sustainment needs, providing maintenance when it's actually needed versus when it's forecasted to be needed.”

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Pratt & Whitney is also incorporating additive manufacturing into its engines. Cooper highlighted these efforts as a way to simplify supply chains and reduce production time and cost: “Real value in additive not only helps simplify supply chain but also reduces production time and cost while leading to increased readiness.”

A software update has been developed for the F119 engine control schedule that enhances thrust without requiring physical modifications. This is achieved through updates in Full-Authority Digital Electronic Control (FADEC) systems.

Cooper noted Pratt & Whitney's focus on modernization across its portfolio: “We really work hard at Pratt & Whitney... driving lessons learned across programs... we're in the very nascent stages of what we're trying to do from a modernization perspective.”

Retired Lt. Col. John “Schlem” Rogers described the experience of flying an F-22 powered by these engines: “The F-22 was not designed to win 51-49. It was designed to win 100 to zero.” Each aircraft features two engines producing 35,000 pounds of thrust each.

Pratt & Whitney continues its commitment under its motto "Powering Freedom," with Cooper stating it reflects their dedication: "Our commitment to supporting our men and women in uniform."

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Eclipse Aviation, the manufacturer of the Eclipse 500 very light jet (VLJ), has faced numerous challenges throughout its history.

Feb 25, 2025

Air New Zealand is facing significant operational challenges as engine issues continue to ground a portion of its fleet.

Feb 25, 2025

Allegiant Air's Airbus A319 aircraft may appear similar to the larger A320 due to their emergency exit configurations.

Feb 25, 2025

Thai Airways is set to expand its aircraft fleet significantly by 2029, as it exits the debt restructuring process initiated in 2020.

Feb 25, 2025

Passengers facing the need for urgent travel due to a family member's death or terminal illness may find some relief through bereavement fares offered by certain airlines.

Feb 25, 2025

The Alaska Air Group, comprising Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Horizon Air, has outlined its fleet strategy for 2025.

Feb 25, 2025