Engine Upgrades for the US Air Force T-38 Trainer

Smiths Aerospace, ASHEVILLE: GE Aircraft Engines recently selected Smiths Aerospace for a $90 million Risk and Revenue Sharing contract to supply six major components for nearly 750 engine upgrade kits for the J85 Propulsion Modernization Program on the United States Air Force T-38 Talon trainer aircraft. Under the agreement, Smiths will have a 29% share of the program. The engine components will be manufactured by Smiths' facilities in North Carolina and Connecticut. Deliveries will continue through 2012. 
 
“By participating in this Risk and Revenue Sharing program with GE, Smiths is creating an even closer tie to an industry leader and our principal engine customer,” explained Dr. Peter Wright, President, Smiths Aerospace Components. 
 
Smiths has proven technical capability and strong customer relations with GE Aircraft Engines for the engine components business. Participation in the upgrade kits requires specialized manufacturing techniques in fabrication, machining, welding and heat treat of precision engine components. 
 
The T-38 trainer has been in service since 1961 with the U.S. Air Force and has approximately 800 aircraft available for operational use. More than 68,000 U.S. Air Force pilots have earned their wings in the T-38, the world's first supersonic trainer.  
 
Smiths Aerospace is a leading transatlantic aerospace equipment and systems company, with more than 11,000 employees and $2 billion sales globally. Smiths Aerospace, a part of Smiths Group, holds key positions in the supply chains of all major military and civil aircraft and engine manufacturers and is a world-leader in digital, electrical power, mechanical systems, engine components and customer services.