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World Defense & Security Industry News - Pratt & Whitney & DutchAero
 
 
Pratt & Whitney and KMWE sign agreement to manufacture F135 engine components
 
Pratt & Whitney, a division of United Technologies Corp., has awarded a contract to KMWE / DutchAero to manufacture F135 engine components. The F135 engine is the propulsion system for the fifth generation F-35 Lightning II aircraft.
     
Pratt Whitney and KMWE sign agreement to manufacture F135 engine components 640 001Pratt & Whitney F135 engine
(Credit: Pratt & Whitney)
     
Located in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, precision component manufacturer KMWE, together with its subsidiary DutchAero, has received a 10-year long term procurement agreement for machined engine components. This agreement signals a strengthened relationship between Pratt & Whitney and KMWE / DutchAero and positions KMWE / DutchAero well for follow-on F135 opportunities.

"This award reaffirms Pratt & Whitney's commitment to F135 engine industrial participation in the Netherlands," said Cliff Stone, vice president, Business Development and International Programs, Pratt & Whitney Military Engines. "KMWE / DutchAero competed globally and was selected as the best value supplier of these engine components, and will play a valuable role in our global supply chain for the F135 engine as we continue to reduce the cost of the propulsion system."

"We are delighted to have earned the trust of Pratt & Whitney to manufacture and deliver these key components for the F135 engine," said Edward Voncken, chief executive officer, KMWE Group. "Our business is focused on delivering high-quality products at competitive prices by effectively applying our LEAN production philosophy. Our contribution to the F135 engine allows us to develop our aerospace manufacturing technologies and capabilities further and helps to ensure local jobs and skills for the future, which are an essential part of our local industry."

As one of the original nine partner nations for the F-35, the Netherlands is a key contributor to the development, production and sustainment of the F-35 program. The current program of record for the Netherlands is for the procurement of at least 37 F-35A aircraft.