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.”
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.”
