Fifteen Year Agreement Will Support F-15I And F-16I Propulsion Systems

An historic fixed-price, fleet management program (FMP) contract has been signed between Pratt & Whitney and the Israeli Air Force (IAF) which is designed to provide 100 percent daily propulsion readiness for the entire Israeli fleet of F-15I and F-16I aircraft for the next 15 years.

Starting Jan. 1, 2016, Pratt & Whitney will provide full propulsion sustainment support – which includes material forecasting, item repair management and provisioning of operational, intermediate and depot-level spare parts – for the IAF's full fleet of F100-PW-229 engines. This is now the longest-term, most comprehensive performance-based logistics contract for a Pratt & Whitney fighter engine to date, and embodies the latest advancements in FMP services available to Pratt & Whitney's military customers.

"The IAF and IMOD have enjoyed a decades-long relationship with Pratt & Whitney, over which time they have earned our confidence and trust," said Aharon Marmarosh, director, Israel Mission to the United States. "Because of Pratt & Whitney's expertise and track record of high-performance on our prior material management program, we felt confident in working with them on a full 15-year FMP program."

The FMP gives the IAF the means to perform all of its needed missions, with guaranteed propulsion system availability, and the added benefit of known propulsion maintenance cost for the next 15 years. Under the FMP model, the unprecedented length of the agreement is a key element, allowing Pratt & Whitney to drive efficiencies across the fleet, ensuring daily readiness while saving the customer money over time. 

"This contract sets a new benchmark for our military customers," said Bennett Croswell, president, Pratt & Whitney Military Engines. "Pratt & Whitney is humbled and honored by the confidence Israeli leadership has placed in us and we look forward to working with local industries to provide continued, long-term support to the Israeli warfighter."

The Israeli Air Force has operated Pratt & Whitney-powered aircraft for more than 65 years, commencing in 1947 with the Pratt & Whitney "Wasp" piston-engine-powered DC-3 Dakota aircraft and followed in succession by the J52-powered A-4, JT-3D-powered tankers, F100-powered F-15 / F-16 fighters, and PT-6-powered trainers. The IAF is scheduled to receive its first Pratt & Whitney F135-powered F-35I Adir aircraft in December of 2016.

(Source: Pratt & Whitney news release. Image from file)

FMI: www.pratt-whitney.com