The request concerns the Pratt & Whitney PW4062‑3 commercial
engine, designated in military service as the F139. Each KC‑46A is powered by a
pair of these high‑bypass turbofan engines, which provide the thrust and
reliability required for the tanker’s multirole
missions—including refueling allied aircraft,
ferrying passengers and cargo, and transporting patients.
Key differences between the commercial PW4062‑3 and the
military F139
- The
F139 omits thrust reversers, a feature present in the commercial version.
- A
“thrust bump” upgrade raises the engine’s thrust output.
- Additional
electromagnetic and infrared shielding enhances survivability in contested
environments.
- A
larger generator supports the aircraft’s expanded electronic load.
According to the contract, each spare core will be
preserved, wrapped, and shipped to Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., where an
Engine Build-Up process will convert the core into a ready-to-install
propulsion unit. The delivery package also includes comprehensive build‑up data
for each engine, enabling the Air Force to track configuration and maintenance
history.
The F139’s performance specifications align with the KC‑46A’s
operational envelope: 62,000 lb
of thrust per engine, a maximum speed of Mach 0.86,
a cruise speed of Mach 0.80,
a range of roughly 6,385 nautical
miles, and a service ceiling of 40,100 feet.
The initial twelve‑core order includes an optional clause
for up to seven additional engines, giving the service flexibility to augment
its spare inventory as fleet availability and mission demand evolve.
The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Propulsion
Sustainment Division is seeking sources that have the capabilities of providing
F139-PW4062-100 spare core engines for the Air Force.
No comments:
Post a Comment