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EAST HARTFORD, Conn. - Pratt & Whitney, a division of aerospace and defense conglomerate Raytheon Technologies (NYSE: NYSE:RTX), has secured a contract worth up to $1.5 billion to support the F119 engines that power the U.S. Air Force’s F-22 Raptor fighter jets. The agreement, announced today, spans three years and aims to enhance readiness and reduce maintenance costs for a fleet of over 400 engines, which have accumulated more than 900,000 flight hours.
Jill Albertelli, president of Military Engines at Pratt & Whitney, emphasized the importance of the F119’s readiness and reliability rates. "We are improving both while lowering lifecycle costs," she stated. The company’s commitment to maintaining the F-22’s combat superiority was underscored as a key objective of the contract.
The F-22 Raptor stands out in its class for its ability to reach and sustain supersonic speeds without afterburners, a capability known as supercruise. This feature allows the aircraft to conserve fuel and extend its operational range. The Raptor’s twin F119 engines produce over 35,000 pounds of thrust and enable the jet to operate at altitudes above 65,000 feet with exceptional speed and agility.
Pratt & Whitney has previously achieved cost reductions for the F119 engines through its Usage Based Lifing program, which utilizes real-time data to improve maintenance efficiency and prolong engine life. Additionally, updates to the engine control schedule have enhanced kinematic performance. The new contract will continue to focus on safety, availability, ease of maintenance, and modernization efforts.
Pratt & Whitney is recognized as a leading designer, manufacturer, and servicer of aircraft engines and auxiliary power units. Raytheon Technologies, its parent company, employs over 185,000 people worldwide and is known for pushing technological boundaries in the aerospace and defense sectors. In 2024, Raytheon Technologies reported sales exceeding $80 billion.
This contract represents a significant commitment to the operational effectiveness of the F-22 fleet and the ongoing partnership between Pratt & Whitney and the U.S. Air Force. The information for this report is based on a press release statement.
In other recent news, RTX Corp reported stronger-than-expected earnings for the fourth quarter of 2024, with adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.54, surpassing analyst forecasts of $1.38. The company’s revenue reached $21.62 billion, exceeding the anticipated $20.53 billion, driven by growth in both aerospace and defense segments. RTX’s backlog grew by 11% year-over-year, reaching $218 billion, indicating strong demand for its products. Meanwhile, Raytheon (NYSE:RTN), a business unit of RTX, announced successful tests for the U.S. Army’s Next-Generation Short-Range Interceptor program, which is designed to replace the Stinger missile system. This development highlights Raytheon’s ongoing contributions to defense capabilities. In another development, news emerged about potential defense budget cuts, which have raised concerns among investors about future revenue streams for defense companies like Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT), Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC), General Dynamics (NYSE:GD), and RTX. Additionally, President Trump proposed a conference with Russia and China to discuss defense spending and denuclearization, signaling a potential shift in U.S. defense policy. These recent developments reflect a dynamic period for RTX and other defense contractors, with significant implications for their future operations and financial performance.
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