Pratt & Whitney Awarded $1.5B Air Force Contract

The U.S. Air Force has awarded RTX subsidiary Pratt & Whitney a three-year, $1.5 billion engine sustainment contract for the F-22 Raptor fighter jet.

The contract will improve readiness and reduce costs for the fleet of over 400 F119 engines that have flown over 900,000 engine flight hours.

“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 Pratt & Whitney Military Engines.

“We are committed to helping our U.S. Air Force customer maintain the F-22’s combat edge.”

In a statement, East Hartford-based Pratt & Whitney said the F-22 Raptor’s two F119 engines generate over 35,000 pounds of thrust, enabling altitudes above 65,000 feet with unmatched speed and agility.

“Unlike many fighter jets, the F-22 can achieve and maintain supersonic speeds without afterburners, a strategic feature known as supercruise that conserves fuel and extends operational range,” the company noted.

Pratt & Whitney officials said the company has lowered costs on the F119 engines through its ongoing Usage Based Lifing program, which leverages real-time data to enhance maintenance efficiency and extend engine life.

The program also improves the engine’s kinematic performance with an engine control schedule update.