LONDON, July 31 (UPI) -- Rolls-Royce has been given a new contract for fifth production lot LiftSystems used on F-35B Lightning II fighters manufactured by Lockheed Martin.
The contract is worth $195 million dollars. Under the award, Rolls-Royce will produce three complete LiftSystems and spares, and supply sustainment, program management, engineering and field support services.
Rolls-Royce's LiftSystem for short takeoff and vertical landing consists of a 3-Bearing Swivel Module and LiftFan for B variant F-35s, which will be used by the Marine Corps.
"The 3BSM is a swiveling exhaust capable of redirecting the rear thrust from the horizontal to the vertical position, tilting downward 95 degrees in only 2.5 seconds, the company said. "The LiftFan is a two-stage, counter-rotating, blisked fan installed just behind the cockpit of the F-35B, providing 20,000 lbs. of downward thrust."
Two roll posts on the aircraft's wings for stabilized downward thrust are also part of the system.
The company said it has so far delivered 35 LiftSystems to Lockheed Martin for the B variant aircraft.
"Rolls-Royce remains focused on further increasing the affordability of LiftSystems for the F-35B Lightning II as the program continues to grow and mature," said Dave Gordon, Rolls-Royce, LiftSystem Program director. "Our field support has expanded and our state-of-the-art production facilities have brought new efficiencies to the program."
