EAST HARTFORD, Conn., April 1, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Pratt & Whitney, a division of United Technologies Corporation (NYSE: UTX), has awarded a contract to Levett Engineering to manufacture components that will be installed into F135 engines. The F135 engine is the propulsion system for the fifth generation F-35 Lightning II aircraft.

Levett Engineering, a precision component manufacturer located in Elizabeth, South Australia, was previously awarded contract work to manufacture second and third-stage turbine vane tubes and covers for the F135 engine. This latest award for bearing housings, covers, and related mechanical system components has a potential value of approximately $200 million over the life of the F-35 program.

"This award reaffirms Pratt & Whitney's commitment to F135 engine industrial participation in Australia," said Howie Chandler, vice president, Military Engines, Business Development at Pratt & Whitney. "Levett competed globally and was selected as the best value supplier of these engine components, and continues to be a valuable part of our global supply chain for the F135 engine."

"We are delighted to have earned the trust of Pratt & Whitney to manufacture and deliver these key components for the F135 engine," said Paul Levett, managing director, Levett Engineering. "As a small-medium enterprise, we are focused on delivering high-quality products at competitive prices. Our contribution to the F135 engine helps ensure jobs and technology-know how remain an essential part of our local industry, and a key support to the needs of the Australian Defence Force."

The F-35 will replace Australia's aging fourth-generation aircraft with an affordable, sustainable, and highly capable fifth-generation aircraft. The F-35 program includes partners from nine countries – Australia, Italy, Canada, Denmark, Netherlands, Norway, Turkey, United Kingdom, and United States – as well as three foreign military sales customers – Israel, Japan, and South Korea.

Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, auxiliary and ground power units, and small turbojet propulsion products. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the building and aerospace industries. To learn more about UTC, visit its website at www.utc.com, or follow the company on Twitter: @UTC.

This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning future business opportunities. Actual results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to changes in government procurement priorities and practices, budget plans and availability of funding, and in the number of aircraft to be built; challenges in the design, development, production and support of advanced technologies; as well as other risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those detailed from time to time in the companies' Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

Matthew Bates
Pratt & Whitney
Mobile: +1 860-371-9857
matthew.bates@pw.utc.com

SOURCE Pratt & Whitney