GKN Aerospace Norway today announced that it has signed an eight-year agreement with Pratt & Whitney for the production of diffuser cases, low pressure turbine cases and shafts for the F135 engine, which powers the fifth generation F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft. The agreement also includes an extension for the supply of several shafts for Pratt & Whitney's F100, JT8D and FT8 engines.

A Norwegian F-35 during flight tests
(Credit: Lockheed Martin/Norwegian Ministry of Defence)

This contract expands GKN Aerospace's involvement in the F135 program and reinforces the company's role as a long-term supplier of engine components for Pratt & Whitney.

Peter Hjortsberg, President of GKN Aerospace Engine Systems in Norway said: "We are very proud to have entered into this contract, with our long term important customer Pratt & Whitney. This multi-year agreement is a great base for continued cooperation and will be benefical for all parties involved. We look forward to further strengthening our relationship with Pratt &Whitney and to work together as one excellent team."

The manufacture of all the covered engine components takes place at GKN Aerospace's Kongsberg facility, which is GKN Aerospace Engine System's Center of Excellence for Shafts. The facility also has extensive experience in the manufacturing of low pressure turbine casings using all in-house manufacturing processes.

"This award reaffirms Pratt & Whitney's commitment to F135 engine industrial participation in Norway," said O Sung Kwon, Executive Director of Pratt & Whitney Military Engines. "GKN Aerospace Norway 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."