On February 20, U.S. company Pratt & Whitney announced that it had been awarded a new three-year, $1.5 billion contract to ensure the sustainment of the F119 engines powering the U.S. Air Force’s F-22 fighter jets. The agreement also aims to reduce costs associated with their operation and maintenance. According to reports, the contract covers more than 400 F119 engines in the USAF’s inventory, which have accumulated over 900,000 flight hours.
Regarding the contract, Jill Albertelli, President of Military Engines at Pratt & Whitney, stated: “F119 availability and reliability have never been more important, and we are improving both while reducing life cycle costs (…) We are committed to helping our U.S. Air Force customer maintain the F-22’s combat edge.”
It is worth noting that the company has already been working on enhancing the maintenance efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the F119 engines through its Usage Based Lifing program. As highlighted in Pratt & Whitney’s official announcement, this initiative has enabled real-time data collection on engine usage to improve maintenance processes. Additionally, a new propulsion system control program has been integrated, resulting in better performance and extended service life.
Each F-22 is powered by two F119 engines, which are key to the aircraft’s advanced capabilities. These engines provide the fighter with more than 35,000 pounds of thrust, allowing it to reach altitudes of up to 65,000 feet at high speeds. Moreover, the F-22, operated exclusively by the U.S. Air Force, can achieve and sustain supersonic speeds without afterburners, making fuel consumption more efficient compared to other aircraft with similar speed capabilities.
Lastly, this contract is not the only recent investment announced for the F-22 fleet, as the U.S. Air Force seeks to enhance its combat capabilities to counter new Russian Su-57 and Chinese J-20 fighters. In this regard, reports indicate that the stealth platform will integrate one of its previously notable shortcomings—a new infrared search and track (IRST) sensor system. Under a recently signed $270 million agreement with Lockheed Martin in January, the F-22 will receive the advanced TacIRST system.
Images used for illustrative purposes.
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