Defence

Engine makers Pratt & Whitney and Rolls-Royce have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to define their future collaboration on the F135 propulsion system for the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF).

The agreement covers work on the short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) variant of the F135 through the production and sustainment phase of the JSF programme. Under the agreement, R-R will maintain its current lift system component responsibilities beyond system development and demonstration, into production and beyond. The UK company produces the lift fan, three-bearing swivel module and roll posts as a subcontractor to P&W.

P&W was awarded a 10-year $4.8-billion contract in 2001 for system development and demonstration (SDD) to develop the F135 through flight clearance, flight test and qualification for low-rate initial production. To date, F135 ground test engines have accumulated more than 4,500 SDD test hours and the F135 will be the exclusive power for the JSF's first flights beginning in the third quarter this year. The technologically advanced F135 is an evolution of the successful F119 engine for the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor. Together, the F135 and F119 will have logged more than 1 million flight hours before the F-35's introduction into service in 2012.

The F135 team comprises P&W, the prime contractor with responsibility for the main engine and system integration; R-R, providing lift components for the STOVL F-35B; and Hamilton Sundstrand, which makes the F135's control system, external accessories and gearbox.