$1.3 Billion For Continued Maturing Its Upgrade

Pratt & Whitney announced it has received a contract worth $1.3 billion for the continuing the maturation process of its Engine Core Upgrade (ECU) for the F-35 Lightning II’s F135 engine.

The contract is set up as a cost-plus-incentive fee structure that covers design, analysis, rig testing, engine test prep, developmental hardware, test asset assembly, air system integration, airworthiness evaluation, and product support. The U.S. Navy made the award as it is overseeing F-35 contracting at this time.

The contract comes after Pratt said it completed the ECU preliminary design review and affirmed it is “on schedule.” Pratt said in July it anticipates Critical Design Review, one of the last steps before fabrication starts, in mid-2025.

Jill Albertelli, president of Pratt & Whitney military engine business said, “The contract is critical to continuing our forward momentum on this program. It allows us to continue work in the risk reduction phase with a full-staffed team focused on design maturation, aircraft integration, and mobilizing the supply base to prepare for production.”

The F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) decided to make Lockheed Martin the “Lead Systems Integrator” for the Power Management Upgrade to the Power and Thermal Management System for the F135 engine.

JPO said, “Contract award for the upcoming phase of the PTMU program is expected in Fall 2024. We will work with Lockheed Martin throughout the entire process to ensure all known PTMU solution options are evaluated for performance and economical retrofitability to existing aircraft; bringing maximum capability to the warfighters while accounting for cost.”

FMI:  www.prattwhitney.com/