Rolls-Royce Signs $131 M F-35 STOLV Liftsystem Contract

(December 15, 2008) -- Rolls-Royce has signed a $131 million contract with Pratt & Whitney to supply LiftSystems for the first six Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) variant F-35B Lightning II aircraft. This order is significant and represents the first production contract for Rolls-Royce as part of its involvement in the world's biggest-ever defence procurement programme.

The Rolls-Royce LiftSystem(r) comprises a LiftFan, Roll Posts and 3 Bearing Swivel Module. Rolls-Royce will provide these through the propulsion system prime contractor Pratt & Whitney, with parts deliveries beginning as early as next month. The scope of the contract also includes spare hardware, production investment and sustainment planning.

Axel Arendt, President of Defence at Rolls-Royce, said: "STOVL technology is a huge asset for Rolls-Royce and the company has played a pioneering role in its development since the launch of the Pegasus engine for the Harrier in the late 1950s. With the F-35 project we are utilising the latest technologies to power the next generation of STOVL aircraft".

Simon Henley, Programme Director for New Product Introduction at Rolls-Royce, said: ""The LiftSystem programme is rapidly gaining momentum on both sides of the Atlantic and this significant step forward puts us firmly into the production phase for this game-changing aircraft."

Orders for the LiftSystem are expected to total over 600, with leading customers including the US Marine Corps, The UK Armed Forces and the Italian Navy. The F-35B variant is expected to remain in service well after 2050.

Source : Rolls-Royce - click here for more information