Pratt & Whitney captured and authenticated UBL data for two years to validate system functionality and integration points. In order to reach this historic launch, a detailed validation plan was executed with the USAF. Those results are then passed to the maintainer in an actionable format. The data is then transferred and processed through the Pratt & Whitney lifing system using advanced algorithms and logistics management tools.
Pratt & Whitney says it has partnered with the USAF over the last decade to utilize their combined engineering capabilities and logistics expertise to develop advanced tools sets and to capture the streaming data generated in today’s advanced platforms through the full flight of the aircraft or the engine. READ: India approves $300 million for new communication satellite for air force Pratt & Whitney’s F135 Engine powers F-35 jets. READ: DRDO tests long range Pinaka rockets with area denial munition, new fuse By capturing full flight data, UBL allows the operator to assess exactly how the aircraft was flown and apply the appropriate level of lifing capacity that was used – saving time and money while improving readiness,” it said. “This constant flow of data is continuously re-analyzed and allows the customer to take advantage of the full life of the engine parts while reducing risk to the fleet. The aircraft engine manufacturer said incorporation of the Usage Based Lifing, however, allows the operator and Pratt & Whitney to collect large amounts of real-time data on engine components based on how it is actually being flown in the field versus an assumed mission mix. READ: India test-fires new version of BrahMos missile As a result, engine maintenance might be performed earlier or later than necessary, leading to inefficiencies over the long run,” Pratt & Whitney said in a statement sent to Defence Star. Without full flight data, maintainers can only make assumptions about how the aircraft was flown and is going to fly and those assumptions are applied to every engine without the ability to tailor maintenance to an engine’s specific needs. “For decades, engine sustainment budgeting and planning was completed largely based on historical data and average mission usage metrics. The company said in addition to the performance, sustainment is a critical part of any engine program, as it’s crucial to maintain readiness at high levels and keep costs within budget. READ: India’s Andaman and Nicobar Command inducts HAL’s Advanced Light Helicopters In addition to supercruise, the F119 combines stealth technologies, vectored thrust, and high thrust-to-weight performance to provide unprecedented maneuverability and survivability, it said. When the F-22 reached Initial Operational Capability (IOC) and was declared combat-ready in 2005, the F119 turbofan became the first operational 5th generation fighter engine in history.Īccording to the company, one of the performance benefits the F119 gives the F-22 is super-cruise, the ability to fly at supersonic speeds without after-burning, which provides the F-22 exceptional combat performance without compromising mission range. Two F119 engines produced by Pratt & Whitney power each F-22 Raptor in the U.S. “By digitally combining aircraft flight data with Pratt & Whitney’s state-of-the-art maintenance engineering algorithms, UBL allows the USAF to plan engine maintenance when it’s actually needed – maximizing both warfighting readiness and maintenance cost savings,” Pratt & Whitney said in a statement. Pratt & Whitney Digital Engine Monitoring Technology: Aircraft engine manufacturing giant Pratt & Whitney Wednesday announced launch of an innovative Usage Based Lifing (UBL) program for its F119 5th generation engine fleet, which is expected to save the US Air Force more than $800 million over the life of the program while continuing to maximize readiness.