The Air Force’s words are not very reassuring to James Guyette, CEO of Rolls Royce North America. He told the Senate Armed Services Committee that, if the F136 engine actually is canceled, Pratt & Whitney will enjoy an engine monopoly for the life of the 5,000 aircraft JSF run. This, said Guyette, would effectively eliminate Rolls and GE from the tactical fighter engine market for the foreseeable future. Sen. John Warner (R-Va.), the panel’s chairman, said the US faced a “gargantuan” decision.
Air Force depots are not typically meant for quick repair jobs, but during Operation Epic Fury, the service moved some of its stateside heavy maintenance capability forward to fix battle-damaged aircraft closer to the fight.
