GE Aviation has been awarded a $394 million contract from the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) to provide J85 engine supplies for the United States Air Force and Navy. The work will be carried out by GE Aviation’s facility in Lynn, MA, and across GE’s US supply chain sites. “We are pleased to receive this significant award and remain committed to extending the service life of today’s military assets,” said Al DiLibero, GE Aviation’s vice president and general manager of medium combat & trainer engines. “We’re very excited about supporting the U.S. Air Force and Navy with a reliable engine that has been flown by generations of pilots, proudly built by generations of GE employees.” The DLA classifies the new contract as part of its Captains of Industry (COI) programme, which uses Supplier Capability Contracts to streamline the procurement process. Since entering service in 1959, the J85 engine has reliably powered military aircraft including the T-38, F-5, T-2C, and A-37B, accumulating more than 75 million hours. More than 13,000 engines have been produced and the J85 operates in 28 countries. The J85-powered T-38 is the USAF’s primary pilot training aircraft. The single-shaft axial-flow turbojet engine with an 8-stage compressor section and 2-stage turbine gives the T-38A a top speed of Mach 1.3. In 2001, the USAF awarded a $601 million contract for hardware kits to upgrade 1,202 J85 engines for the T-38. The upgraded kit, including a redesigned compressor rotor and stator assembly, an improved HPT, and new afterburner liner. The J85-powered T-38 is expected to remain in operational service until 2040 and beyond. www.geaviation.com Michael Tyrrell Author Michael Tyrrell Digital Coordinator Tags GE Aviation defence industry Engines Share This Article Tweet Share Share Share Subscribe to our FREE Newsletter Related Articles GE Aviation celebrates five years of engine making in Lafayette FAA certifies GE9X engine for Boeing’s 777X family GE Aviation delivers first F110 engines to power Boeing F-15EX Most recent Articles Boeing wins another 737 MAX order for 15 aircraft Muirhead now an approved service centre for Astronics test systems US Navy reveals more on plans for sixth generation fighter jet Share This Article Tweet Share Share Share Subscribe to our FREE Newsletter