The company seems to have overlooked the infamous “Great Engine War” between them and GE, spawned by the significant developmental difficulties that P&W experienced with their F100 during the 1970s. If you’re unfamiliar with that, it’s a valuable historical lesson regarding the value of competition and a competitive industrial base for defense acquisition, though certainly with other “lessons learned” to be drawn from the episode and its impact on future programs.
The celebration continues! Read our Pratt & Whitney article in Aviation Week Network celebrating 50 years of the F-16 and its engine. Very proud of the entire F100 team led by Josh Goodman for all the work they do to keep this jet flying. "We get great feedback on our engine from the pilots who fly the Viper," said Goodman. "It's a pilot's engine. It provides safety and predictability while giving the combat edge." https://lnkd.in/dHRK_dpv
David Newill
7mo
Imagine how amazing the F-35 would have been if there had been an engine competition! (More power Scotty! Ey captain -but ya needs more air I think!)
Independent Aerospace and Defense Consultant
7moI wouldn’t describe the Great Engine War as “infamous” - the competition delivered real benefits to the warfighter and taxpayer. I favor a similar competition for future miltary fighter engines.