US supports JSF engine

News

Rolls-Royce and GE Aviation have received funding from the US government for the development of an alternative engine for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

Rolls-Royce

and

GE Aviation

have received funding from the

US

government for the development of an alternative engine for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF).

The support for the engine was confirmed on 28 October after President Barack Obama signed a bill authorising funds for its development.

The companies will receive $560m (£340m) in 2010 as part of the Joint Strike Fighter Competitive Engine Program, according to a statement from the office of Steve Driehaus, a congressman from Cincinnati, Ohio,  where GE Aviation is headquartered.

The Rolls-Royce and GE F136 engine is being built as an alternative to a Pratt & Whitney engine developed for the F-35.