RTX’s Pratt & Whitney Secures $1.5B Deal to Sustain F-22 Raptor Engines

RTX subsidiary Pratt & Whitney has secured a $1.5-billion contract to support and sustain the engines of the US Air Force’s premier stealth fighter, the F-22 Raptor. This three-year deal focuses on improving the readiness and reducing the operating costs of the more than 400 F119 engines that power the Raptor fleet, which has accumulated over 900,000 flight hours.

Enhancing Readiness and Reducing Costs

Jill Albertelli, President of Pratt & Whitney’s Military Engines division, emphasized the importance of maintaining high readiness and reliability levels for the F119 engine, especially as the F-22 remains a critical asset for US air superiority. The contract aims to achieve these goals while also cutting down lifecycle costs, a key concern for sustaining fifth-generation fighter jets.

One of the most crucial aspects of this initiative is the implementation of Pratt & Whitney’s “Usage Based Lifing” (UBL) program. This advanced maintenance system leverages real-time data to optimize engine upkeep, prolong engine lifespan, and enhance its overall performance. By continuously analyzing operational data, the UBL program enables more precise maintenance schedules, reducing the need for unnecessary overhauls and ensuring the engines remain in peak condition.

The Power Behind the F-22 Raptor

The Lockheed Martin-developed F-22 Raptor is powered by two F119 engines, a twin-spool, augmented turbofan design capable of producing 35,000 pounds of thrust. This high-performance engine allows the fighter to reach altitudes exceeding 65,000 feet (19,812 meters) and achieve sustained supersonic speeds without afterburners, a capability known as supercruise.

Supercruise enables the F-22 to fly at speeds beyond Mach 2 while conserving fuel and maintaining its stealth profile. Unlike conventional afterburners, which dramatically increase thrust but consume excessive fuel and produce significant heat and noise, the F119’s ability to maintain supersonic speeds without afterburners enhances the F-22’s operational efficiency and survivability in combat.

Strategic Importance of the Deal

This contract underscores the US Air Force’s commitment to maintaining its F-22 fleet in peak operational condition. As the Raptor continues to play a vital role in air dominance missions, ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of its engines is critical. The deal also highlights the ongoing importance of Pratt & Whitney’s technology in sustaining the next-generation fighter jet capabilities of the United States.

With geopolitical tensions rising and the need for air superiority more pronounced than ever, investing in the sustainment and enhancement of the F-22’s propulsion system ensures that the aircraft remains a dominant force in future air combat scenarios.