Pratt & Whitney to receive up to $870 million to maintain engines for B-52 Stratofortress nuclear bombers - US Air Force invests in maintaining readiness

The US Air Force has no intention of losing combat readiness, so it is ready for a multi-million dollar investment. As part of this effort, Pratt & Whitney has been awarded a contract to maintain the TF33 engines.

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The powerplant is used in a number of US Air Force aircraft, including B-52 Stratofortress nuclear bombers and E-3 Sentry AWACS "flying radar" aircraft. If all options are exercised, the contract will have a value of $870 million.

The agreement is the culmination of a multi-year partnership between the Defence Logistics Agency, Pratt & Whitney and the US Air Force. It provides a comprehensive solution to ensure combat readiness for the foreseeable future.

The company will provide maintenance for nearly 100 TF33 engines. The work will take place over six years with an option to extend for an additional four years. If all options are exercised, the contract will run until April 2034, subject to a transition period of six months.

It is likely that Pratt & Whitney will maintain the TF33 until the end of its life cycle. This is because the E-3 Sentry aircraft will be retired in the coming years and the B-52 Stratofortress nuclear bombers will receive engines made by Rolls-Royce.

Source: Pratt & Whitney