Pratt & Whitney contracts for F135 engine components

EAST HARTFORD, Conn., April 8 (UPI) -- Pratt & Whitney has tapped four Italian companies to manufacture F135 engine components for F-35 Lightning II fighters.

The contracts -- to Aerea S.p.A., APR S.r.l., Mepit S.r.l., and NCM S.p.A. -- are for 10 years and are valued at $17 million.

"Pratt & Whitney works hard to identify and team with capable suppliers who can deliver high-quality products at competitive prices," said Cliff Stone, vice president, Business Development, Pratt & Whitney Military Engines. "These awards directly support our goals for F135 industrial participation with small and medium enterprise suppliers.

"We have had great success working with Italian industry. We recognize the advanced capabilities and value that exists with these particular suppliers and look forward to having them as part of Pratt & Whitney's global supply chain for the F135 engine."

Stone said the Italian companies were selected on a best value basis to support the F135 engine program as a result of their readiness to deliver high-quality parts, on cost and on time.

Pratt & Whitney has signed long-term agreements valued at more than $22 billion with nearly 800 key product suppliers worldwide to double their commercial and military engine production. To date, F135 production requirements have resulted in more than $25 million in contracts to Italian companies.

"This agreement signals strong confidence from Pratt & Whitney, and positions us well for additional F135 engine component manufacturing opportunities of increasing value," said Andrea Romiti, chief executive officer, APR S.r.l. "We are prepared to deliver on our cost and product quality commitments, and we are ready for the F135 engine production ramp."