Pratt & Whitney, a division of United Technologies, and Rolls-Royce will join forces to provide comprehensive technical support at Royal Air Force Marham to support F135 engines and the LiftSystems on the UK's F-35B Lightning II aircraft.
The two engine companies will institute a Performance-Based Logistics (PBL) approach to sustainment for the propulsion systems. A PBL contracting structure incentivises contractors to focus on outcomes such as propulsion system availability, leading to greater efficiencies, mutual cost reductions, and operator benefits.
The companies formalised the new working relationship by signing a memorandum of understanding, agreeing to increase levels of cooperation and improve synergy as they join forces in support of the customer.
The agreement defines how the companies will collaborate and grow their sustainment capabilities. Pratt & Whitney, lead propulsion integrator for the F-35 program, will focus primarily on system-level performance of its F135 engines. Rolls-Royce will lead on support for the LiftSystem technology the company developed and produced, while also undertaking some delegated support work on the main F135 engine. The two companies will also look to duplicate this support model for other F-35B customers.
Bennett Croswell, president, Pratt & Whitney Military Engines said: "With this new agreement, we'll be able to provide optimum service and sustain the F135 Propulsion System and the LiftSystem to meet the growing global demands of the F-35 customer base.”
Chris Cholerton, president, Rolls-Royce Defence Aerospace added: "This new agreement demonstrates the commitment from both companies to keep the customer at the heart of what we do, focusing on meeting their needs in the most cost-effective and efficient manner possible. Rolls-Royce has been supporting the U.K.'s military aircraft fleets for more than 100 years, and we look forward to matching the innovation of this fantastic aircraft with an equally innovative support program."
The new agreement will focus the strengths of both companies to provide a quality service solution in a more affordable and effective way for customers. The agreement will draw the companies closer together and lay the groundwork for further enhancing support for the propulsion systems in the future.
