Defence Business: Aussies on F135 | ADM Apr 2011

Katherine Ziesing | Avalon

Pratt & Whitney and Levett Engineering have signed an agreement that will see the Adelaide-based SME manufacture engine components for the F135 engine program. The order has a potential value of more than US$50 million over the life of the F-35 program.

“Levett Engineering continues to be a valuable partner in our global supply chain for the F135 engine,” Bennett Croswell, vice president, F135/F119 Engine Programs, Pratt & Whitney, said. “They have consistently delivered affordable, high-quality components for the F135 engine program and our customers, and we are delighted to extend our working relationship.”

The agreement covers titanium brackets and mounts for the F135 actuators. Levett Engineering previously received a purchase order and follow-on work to manufacture second and third-stage turbine vane transfer tubes and covers for all variants of the F135 engine powering the F-35. That order was awarded at the 2008 Farnborough Air Show. JSF contracts have underpinned a tripling of Levett Engineering’s turnover over the past three years, sparking investment from private equity fund Paragon.

Pratt & Whitney also took the opportunity at the show to announce that the first shipment of engine tooling components from Broens Industries has arrived, following an agreement signed at the Farnborough Air show last year.

“Broens was originally selected because of their ability to manufacture technologically advanced ground support equipment specifically for the F135 engine program,” Croswell said. “This delivery, only a few months after signing an agreement, demonstrates their world-class manufacturing capability.”

The ground support equipment delivered by Broens is intended for removal and installation of the F135 engine’s gearbox. This innovative equipment is a key part of the longterm maintenance and overhaul solution for the F135 propulsion system, powering the F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft.