PARIS, June 22 (UPI) -- U.S. airmen have completed repairs on the first F117 engine at an Oklahoma air force base's new F117 Heavy Maintenance Center, Pratt and Whitney announced.
Four Pratt and Whitney F117 engines power the C-17, which serves the strategic airlift and mobility and humanitarian needs of the U.S. Air Force, Britain's air force, the Australian air force, United Arab Emirates air force and other international partners.
The new Heavy Maintenance Center is a key element of a partnership agreement between the U.S. Air Force and Pratt and Whitney. The 45,000-square-foot shop, with 30 mechanics, can repair four F117s at once.
The engine was repaired with the assistance of company representatives at the facility, Pratt and Whitney said from the Paris Air Show.
Members of the Pratt and Whitney team will work with 76th Propulsion Maintenance Group at Tinker Air Force Base's Oklahoma City Air Force Logistics Command to perform about one-third of the repair workload on the more than 1,000 F117s in U.S. Air Force service.
The first engine took several months to overhaul but once the center matures, workers are expected to be able to overhaul and repair each F117 in about two months.
When the shop grows to 96,000 square feet, it will employ 150 technicians and be able to handle six to 10 engines at a time.
"We are pleased the U.S. Air Force has shown such confidence in Pratt and Whitney's Military Aftermarket Services team," said Bill Begert, vice president, Military Business Development and Aftermarket Services at Pratt and Whitney. "Our facility in Oklahoma City has great people and the latest technology and equipment available to the U.S. military."
