U.S. Defense Ministry decided to examine current situation on fighter jet engine market, which effectively is duopoly, through order distribution between Pratt & Whitney and General Electric. Moreover, current situation with their production is called problematic.
"Current industrial base demonstrates significant problems, including production delays, quality control problems and critical aging of production base," states information request from U.S. defense ministry regarding fighter engine supply possibility.
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This information request to manufacturers is precisely intended to explore alternative proposals amid growing demand, which in 2034 is projected within 180 engines annually.
Also Pentagon emphasized that regarding new engine supplier it relies on five fundamental principles:
- performance — higher capabilities at lower price
- affordability — low cost of entire engine lifecycle
- reliability — better readiness level, higher repairability
- technical resilience — stable spare parts supply chain
- high production rates — manufacturer capability to ensure surge demand
Additionally manufacturers should specify minimum profitable production volume, as well as analysis of possibility of finding all necessary raw materials.
Proposal gathering will continue through August 28, after which U.S. defense ministry should make corresponding conclusions and, logically, launch corresponding competition.
Despite request not featuring specific engine parameters. But it several times features formulation "affordable power plant for U.S. Air Force and customer country aircraft (for example, F-15EX and F-16)."
Note that on F-15EX, General Electric F110-GE-129 is used. And on F-16 — one can choose between same F110-GE-129 and Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229.
On F-35, Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 is used. At same time for F-47 engine is not yet chosen, currently struggle continues between same Pratt & Whitney and General Electric.
At same time, U.S. defense ministry search for new fighter engine supplier hardly has simple and reliable solution. Pratt & Whitney and General Electric are main competitors since 1950s. At same time last third weighty player of tactical aviation jet engine market, Allison, dropped out back in 1970s.
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