Bell selected over Boeing to build DARPA SPRINT X-Plane
The programme first began in 2023 with Bell and Boeing’s concepts progressing to Phase 1B, in which testing has been carried out over the last year.
Pratt & Whitney F135 engine pictured during accelerated mission testing in 2021. (Photo: USAF/Jill Pickett)
Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) has issued a $769.87 million contract modification to Raytheon Technologies and Pratt & Whitney Military Engines in support of F135 engine requirements for the USAF, USMC, USN, FMS customers and ‘non-Department of Defense participants’, the DoD announced on 23 September.
The modification increases the contract ceiling to procure spare parts for the F135 propulsion system that powers the F-35 Lightning II aircraft.
Raytheon and Pratt & Whitney will also supply support equipment and depot lay-in material for the F-135.
NAVAIR orders more Triton support from Northrop Grumman
NAVAIR awards annual F-35 engine sustainment contract
Australian F135 engine maintenance and upgrade depot reaches full capability
Work will be performed at seven US locations plus Bristol (UK) and Santa Isabel (Puerto Rico), for completion by December 2025.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, the F135 delivers more than 40,000lb of thrust and is one of the most advanced engines in the world.
The programme first began in 2023 with Bell and Boeing’s concepts progressing to Phase 1B, in which testing has been carried out over the last year.
The report discloses that while the capability provided by the F-35 is superior to previous UK aircraft, delays from the UK Ministry of Defence on the programme have significantly impacted the country’s warfighting capabilities.
The new ‘Entente Industrielle’ will work on a range of other projects to boost the UK economy and defence industry, including joint development on new high-tech frequency weapons and extended range air-to-air missiles.
The E-7A is one of three aircraft submitted for the South Korean AEW&C II competition, which seeks to acquire four more aircraft of the type for its air force by 2028.
Tensions on the programme have long simmered, with Airbus and Dassault recently clashing over workshare in June ahead of the Paris Air Show. The sixth-generation fighter programme is due to replace Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon jets beginning in 2040.
The trainer aircraft recently completed the second round of extreme weather trials after enduring icy, windy and sunny conditions.