Pratt & Whitney wins $1.5 billion USAF contract

For F-22 Raptors’ F119 engines

Pratt & Whitney, a division of RTX, has secured a $1.5 billion contract to sustain the F119 engines that power the US Air Force’s F-22 Raptor fighter jets. The three-year agreement aims to enhance the readiness and reliability of more than 400 F119 engines, which have collectively flown over 900,000 engine flight hours.

The F119 engines play a crucial role in the USAF F-22 Raptor’s exceptional performance, providing the necessary power to maintain its edge in combat. The contract is designed to improve the engines’ operational efficiency further and reduce costs, ensuring that the F-22’s performance remains unmatched.

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

The F-22 Raptor, equipped with two F119 engines, delivers more than 35,000 pounds of thrust, enabling the aircraft to reach altitudes exceeding 65,000 feet. With unrivalled speed and agility, the F-22 is one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world.

A key feature of the F-22’s design is its ability to achieve and sustain supersonic speeds without using afterburners, a capability known as “supercruise.” This strategic feature conserves fuel, extending the fighter jet’s operational range.

As part of Pratt & Whitney’s ongoing efforts to reduce costs and improve efficiency, the company has implemented a Usage-Based Living (UBL) programme for the F119 engines. This initiative uses real-time data to optimise maintenance schedules, enhance engine efficiency, and extend lifespan. The latest contract will also focus on updates to the engine’s control schedule, further improving its performance.

With the new contract, Pratt & Whitney will continue to focus on increasing maintenance safety, availability, and simplicity and implementing key modernisation initiatives. These efforts are intended to ensure that the US Air Force maintains its technological advantage in aerial combat while reducing operational costs.

This multi-year agreement reinforces Pratt & Whitney’s commitment to supporting the US military with cutting-edge engine technology and maintenance solutions.

Image: USAF Maj. Paul Lopez, F-22 Demo Team commander, flies next to a KC-135 Stratotanker during an aerial refuelling mission over Spokane, Washington, on June 20, 2019. Credit: USAF