F117 Engines for C-17s, 2007-2011
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United Technologies Corp. subsidiary Pratt & Whitney in East Hartford, CT produces the C-17 Globemaster III’s 40,400 pound thrust F117-PW-100 engine, a derivative of the PW2000 commercial engine that powers the Boeing 757. The C-17’s four F117 engines add a unique thrust reverser system that can be deployed in flight for tactical descents, enabling the aircraft to back up a 2-degree incline, and allowing tight turns on the ground. This creates faster unloading throughput, and allows the aircraft to use a wider range of runways. Ongoing improvement programs have allowed the F117 engine to exceed established goals for time on wing, in-flight shut downs, and fast support turnaround.
The firm’s engine contracts are separate from the government’s contracts for the aircraft themselves, and represent just one of many “Government-Furnished Equipment” items provided to C-17 manufacturer Boeing in the course of construction. This Spotlight article covers a multi-year contract issued in 2007.
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Unless otherwise noted, the Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH issues these contracts to United Technologies Corp. subsidiary Pratt and Whitney in East Hartford, CT.
Dec 8/11: A $37.8 million fixed-price with economic price adjustment, indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract for 4 F117-PW-100 FMS install engines, and associated data for the C-17 aircraft.
FMS means a Foreign Military Sale airlifter, and potential contracts for 1 more C-17A currently exist with Australia and Kuwait. Australia’s DSCA request was published on Nov 15/11, and it’s in the group (with NATO, Japan & New Zealand) for a reduced 15-day DSCA notification period, so it could be them. At the same time, Pratt & Whitney’s Dec 19/11 release describes a contract to “produce the first four F117-PW-100 engines that will power the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III for the Indian Air Force. The engines will be delivered in second quarter of 2012.”
Note the consistent figure of around $37-38 million “extra” for engines, above and beyond the contract price to Boeing for each plane. Work will be performed in East Hartford, CT, and is expected to be complete by June 4/12 (FA8626-07-D-2073, no DO given).
Aug 11/11: A $37.6 million fixed-price with economic price adjustment, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for 4 more F117-PW-100 engines and associated data. Work will be performed in East Hartford, CT (FA8626-07-D-2073, Delivery Order 0017).
July 1/11: An $18.1 million firm-fixed-price contract for 2 F117-PW-100 engines and associated data for the C-17 aircraft. Work will be performed at East Hartford, CT (FA8626-07-D-2073, Delivery Order 0016).
Dec 28/10: A $272.6 million contract modification for 30 F117-PW-100 engines, spare engines, and associated data for the C-17 aircraft. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated (FA8750-11-C-0045).
Note that 30 engines would equip 7 planes plus 2 spares. The actual pattern of use may vary.
Dec 1/09: A $1.723 billion contract for F117-PW-100 install engines, spare engines, and associated data. Up to 208 engines may be acquired under this contract, which will be ordered as and if they’re needed under the contract’s umbrella terms (FA8626-07-D-2073). This appears to be a revised version of the July 2007 announcement, reflecting a higher ceiling.
July 30/07: A $1.06 billion indefinite delivery/ indefinite quantity, fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract for $1.06 billion for F117-PW-100 install engines, spare engines and associated data. It covers new engine deliveries from 2007 – 2012 for the U.S. Air Force and foreign military sales in support of the C-17 Globemaster III program. At this time, no funds have been obligated; delivery orders will be issued under this contract vehicle as engines etc. are required. Solicitations began August 2006, negotiations were complete in June 2007, and work will be complete December 2012 (FA8626-07-D-2073). See also P&W release.
