Pratt & Whitney Awarded Unmanned Combat Air System Contract

FARNBOROUGH AIR SHOW --- Northrop Grumman has awarded Pratt & Whitney a $54 million contract to develop and integrate the engine and exhaust system for the U.S. Navys X-47 Unmanned Combat Air System Carrier Demonstration (UCAS-D) air vehicle.>> The Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220U engine will power the UCAS-D, providing up to 16,000 pounds of thrust while operating in a maritime environment, including carrier deck operations. Pratt and Whitney, is a United Technologies Corp. company.>> Pratt & Whitney is excited to be working with Northrop Grumman and the X-47 team on this transformational Navy project, said Jimmy Reed, director, Advanced Engine Programs. The X-47 program is intended to demonstrate that an unmanned, survivable air vehicle can operate safely in the carrier environment.>> First flight of the X-47 is scheduled in 2009, with at-sea aircraft carrier trials scheduled in 2011.>> Pratt & Whitney military engines include the F100 family that powers the F-15 and F-16, the F119 for the F-22 Raptor, the F135 for the F-35 Lightning II, the F117 for the C-17 Globemaster III, the J52 for the EA-6B Prowler, the TF33 powering AWACS/Joint STARS/B-52/KC-135 aircraft, and TF30 for the F-111. In addition, Pratt & Whitney offers a global network of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) and military aftermarket services (MAS) focused on maintaining engine readiness for our customers.>>> Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, space propulsion systems and industrial gas turbines. United Technologies, based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the global aerospace and building industries.