BAE SYSTEMS RECEIVES CONTRACT TO DEVELOP JOINT STRIKE FIGHTER ENGINE CONTROL

BAE Systems has been selected by the GE Rolls-Royce Fighter Engine Team (FET) to develop a full-authority digital electronic control (FADEC) for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The propulsion system design, which uses two FADECs per engine, resulted from a joint study between BAE Systems and GE Transportation-Aircraft Engines, located in Evendale, Ohio. The FADEC governs engine fuel flow, controls variable engine geometries, and incorporates a lift fan engine and nozzle controls.

"We're really pleased to be part of the GE team developing the F136 engine for the JSF," said Hank McGlynn, vice president of Power Systems for BAE Systems. "Thanks to the hard work of everyone involved, the engine control meets or exceeds all specifications for weight, volume, power, reliability, and throughput."

The first three production lots of the F-35 will use the F135 engine produced by Pratt & Whitney. As the interchangeable engine, the FET's F136 is slated to be incorporated in Lots 4 and 5. Beginning with Lot 6, and for all production needs thereafter, the FET will compete for the opportunity to supply F-35 engines. The F136 and F135 engines will be interchangeable across all variants of the JSF.

The FET plans to deliver the first production F136 engine in 2012. Orders for the BAE Systems FADEC could total as many as 5,000 units through 2030.

The F-35 is a next-generation, supersonic, multi-role stealth aircraft designed to replace the AV-8B Harrier, A-10, F-16, F/A-18 Hornet and the United Kingdom's Harrier GR.7 and Sea Harrier. The first F-35, a conventional-takeoff-and-landing (CTOL) variant, is scheduled for completion at year's end.

Three versions of the F-35 are planned: a CTOL, a short-takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) and a carrier variant (CV). Each is derived from a common design, and will ensure that the F-35 meets the performance needs of the U.S. Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy, the U.K. Royal Air Force and Royal Navy, and allied defense forces worldwide, while staying within strict affordability targets.

BAE Systems is a key industry partner on the F-35 responsible for the design, development and production of the aft fuselage, empennage and CV wing tips for each aircraft. The company is providing critical components for the vehicle and weapon systems, in particular the fuel system, crew escape, life support system and Prognostics Health Management integration. BAE Systems has significant work share in Autonomic Logistics, primarily on the support system side, and is involved in the Integrated Test Force, including the systems flight test and mission systems. The company is also responsible for the F-35's Electronic Warfare (EW) systems suite and is providing advanced affordable low observable apertures and advanced countermeasure systems. Additionally, BAE Systems is supplying the Vehicle Management Computer, the Communication, Navigation and Identification (CNI) modules, the active stick and throttle and the EOTS Laser subsystem.