Rolls-Royce receives $195.5m contract for Liftsystem production, support for F-35B Lightning II

Rolls-Royce has been awarded a $195.5m contract to produce and support LiftSystems for the F-35 Lightning II program, the unique technology that provides vertical-lift for 5th-generation combat aircraft. The Rolls-Royce LiftSystem enables F-35B aircraft to perform short takeoffs and vertical landings (STOVL) and is currently in service with the US Marine Corps in Yuma, Arizona. The final agreement with Pratt & Whitney for the fifth production lot includes three complete LiftSystems, spares, sustainment, program management, engineering and field support. Rolls-Royce has delivered 35 LiftSystems and has expanded field support to include five bases which are flying F-35B aircraft.