Company's Wilmington Plant Plays An Important Role

U.S. Congressman Mike McIntyre (D-NC) (pictured) applauds the decision by General Electric to continue the work on the Joint Strike Fighter engine at no cost to the American taxpayer.

“I strongly support the offer from the F136 Fighter Engine Team to continue developing their Joint Strike Fighter engine on their own dime," McIntyre said in a news release. "For no cost and no risk to taxpayers, we can keep competition alive on the largest subcomponent of the Joint Strike Fighter and on future programs where we will need it. This unique approach also gives us an unequaled opportunity to usher in changes in the Pentagon’s acquisition process. This is good for the American taxpayer, good for competition, and ultimately good for the safety and security of our nation!” 

On May 5, the Fighter Engine Team announced it has committed to bear all costs for continued development of the competitive F136 fighter engine for the Joint Strike Fighter through the end of fiscal year 2012. This unique offer requires no appropriated government funding in fiscal year 2012, nor does it hinge upon any financial commitment from the government in 2013 or beyond. Under this agreement, the FET would be provided access to the engines, components, and testing facilities to continue development work.

FMI: http://mcintyre.house.gov