Rolls-Royce receives $315m contract to supply lifesystem technologie

Rolls-Royce has received a contract for $315m from Pratt & Whitney to supply the Rolls-Royce LiftSystem for 17 F-35B Lightning II aircraft. Rolls-Royce is the only company to produce the advanced technology that enables F-35B aircraft to perform Short Take Off and Vertical Landings (STOVL), and that provides increased mission flexibility. The LiftSystem comprises a Rolls-Royce LiftFan, Roll Posts and a 3-Bearing Swivel Module. Rolls-Royce is a subcontractor to Pratt & Whitney, which manufactures the F135 engine for the F-35 Lightning II programme. Under the contract, Rolls-Royce will produce 17 LiftSystems for the fourth lot of Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) through 2012, with a further order for the fifth lot expected later in the year. To date, Rolls-Royce has delivered 32 LiftSystems, plus spare parts.