Deal reached on F-35 engines

The Pentagon and Pratt and Whitney reportedly have researched an agreement in principle on a contract to build 39 engines for the sixth batch of F-35 fighters, sources told Reuters. The sources, who were not authorized to speak publicly, placed the value at more than $1 billion. Separate discussions are planned for a seventh batch of the F135 engines that power all variants of the F-35. In July, DoD had agreed on a contract with Lockheed Martin for a sixth and seventh order of the F-35s. DoD buys the jet engines directly with Pratt and Whitney. (Source: Reuters, 08/26/13) Gulf Coast note: Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is home of the F-35 training center. Previous