Fokker Aerospace Group to produce components for Pratt & Whitney F135 jet engine for F-35 Joint Strike Fighter using innovative technology

17 November 2005

Fokker Aerospace Group and the aircraft engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney have signed a Heads of Agreement for the production development of components for the new P&W F135 jet engine that will power the F 35 Joint Strike Fighter. The agreement involves new High Performance Machining technology for titanium components, and represents a breakthrough in titanium machining as an advanced and efficient production technology for aircraft jet engines.
The value of the agreement is US$ 1.25 million in the System Development Demonstration phase, with a potential (but not yet contracted) turnover value of some US$ 200 million through the life of the program.

Pratt & Whitney is the lead propulsion system contractor for the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The F135 (an evolution of the F119 jet engine for the F/A22 Raptor) will power all versions of the JSF. The contract with Fokker Aerospace Group relates to advanced production technology using High Performance Machining* of titanium. This allows demonstrable quality improvements, cost reductions and shorter cycle times to be achieved for a number of critical F135 subsystems, including the exhaust nozzles. During the recent qualification procedure, Fokker Aerospace Group showed that it possesses the expertise required for this task. Machining is one of the three centers of competence for Fokker Aerospace Group.
 
A vital element in the true value of this order is the breakthrough of a new production technology in the building of aircraft jet engines. Spin-offs to other products, applications and sectors are also expected. The final production will not only be handled by Fokker, but will also extensively involve the aircraft industry supply chain in the Netherlands.
 
The technologically advanced F135, the lead propulsion system for the
 F-35 Joint Strike Fighter is the exclusive power for the F-35's first flights, which begins next year. Hardware from Fokker Aerospace Group, along with Fokker Elmo electrical wiring will be installed on Pratt & Whitney's first flight engine. 

Pratt & Whitney, a United Technologies (NYSE: UTX) company, is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, space propulsion systems and industrial gas turbines.
 
Fokker Aerospace Group develops and produces advanced components and systems for the aviation and aerospace industry, and supplies integrated services and products to aircraft owners and operators. The group achieved a turnover of €495 million in 2004 with 3,182 employees out of the total Stork turnover of €1.82 billion. 
 
*) High Speed Machining (HSM) is a production technology for components by means of the machining of solid aluminium to create the desired final form and dimensions. The advantages are weight savings, consistent quality and substantial cost savings through the elimination of (sub-) assembly work. High Performance Machining is a further development of HSM on harder materials for instance Titanium.
 
 

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Dick Kors
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