Pentagon awards GE contract worth up to nearly $2.9 billion for F/A-18 engine parts
The Pentagon has awarded GE Aerospace a contract worth up to nearly $2.9 billion to supply components for F414 engines used on the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18 Super Hornet fighters and EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft. Breaking Defense reports, citing an announcement by the U.S. Department of Defense.
Contract through 2031
The agreement was concluded as a performance-based logistics contract, under which payment to the contractor depends on the results of the work performed. The contract expires in August 2031, with no extension options предусмотрены.
The contract was awarded amid changes in GE’s production plans. The company continues to manufacture the more powerful F414 engines for the Super Hornet and Growler fleet while also increasing output of the older F404 engines. These engines will be used, in particular, on the new U.S. Air Force T-7 Red Hawk trainer aircraft.
GE representatives said that over approximately the next five years, the company expects to nearly double F404 production volumes, but did not disclose exact figures. The manufacturer is also considering a new supplier base and the use of additive manufacturing, including 3D printing, for certain engine components.
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Hypersonic test vehicle
Separately, GE said this week that the Pentagon’s Defense Innovation Unit selected the company to provide a liquid-fueled hypersonic test vehicle. The work will be carried out under the Hypersonic and High-Cadence Airborne Testing Capabilities program, which is intended to expand flight-testing capabilities for high-speed systems.
According to a GE representative, the next phase of the contract will last about 24 months and will include flight tests. The company will serve as the prime contractor and integrate the hypersonic test vehicle, as well as provide technologies including a dual-mode ramjet engine capable of operating at subsonic and supersonic speeds. The vehicle is planned to be accelerated by a solid-propellant rocket motor.
GE said partners will be involved in the work to supply individual elements of the vehicle, but their names have not yet been disclosed. Steve Russell, vice president and general manager of the Edison Works division, said the company’s current goal is to provide propulsion solutions rather than create hypersonic weapons.
