KONGSBERG, performing by way of its Upkeep, Restore and Overhaul (MRO) firm Kongsberg Aviation Upkeep Providers AS (KAMS), introduced yesterday that it has efficiently achieved all Preliminary Depot Functionality (IDC) necessities for the restore and overhaul of the Pratt & Whitney F135 engine, which powers all three variants of the fifth Era F-35 Lightning II fighter plane. With this achievement, the KONGSBERG F135 Upkeep, Restore, Overhaul and Improve (MRO&U) facility in Norway turns into the second absolutely operational F135 engine depot outdoors of the US.
“It is a product of collaboration between the Norwegian Ministry of Defence, the F-35 Joint Program Workplace, KONGSBERG, and Pratt & Whitney,” stated Atle Wøllo, President, Kongsberg Aviation Upkeep Providers AS. “We’re subsequently very proud to attain the Preliminary Depot Functionality milestone as we speak and look ahead to additional creating the F135 engine depot with all of our companions in supporting the F-35 neighborhood.”
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“We congratulate the Kongsberg Aviation Upkeep group on reaching this important sustainment milestone for the F135 engine,” stated Andre McMillian, Vice President, Pratt & Whitney Army Engines Sustainment Operations. “The activation of the Norway depot will improve capability to the worldwide F135 MRO&U community and guarantee extra functionality for our allies. Standing up the regional MRO&U depots is an integral a part of the enterprise’s technique to guarantee sustainment readiness throughout the F135 MRO&U community to exceed program necessities.”
“This F135 MRO&U functionality brings important business alternatives to Norway and reveals KONGSBERG’s elevated dedication to the F-35 program,” stated Eirik Lie, President Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace. “Along with our companions, we are going to create a number one technical atmosphere at Rygge, supporting jobs to the advantage of this system.”
The regional functionality will assist F-35 operators within the area underneath the F-35’s World Assist Resolution. With the declaration of IDC, the Norwegian depot will instantly start upkeep repairs for the F135 engine fleet, offering elevated capability to the worldwide F135 MRO&U community. The ability is tailor-made to assist the MRO&U work and testing of the F135 engine.
Norwegian Minister of Defence, Odd Roger Enoksen, added: “It’s a honest pleasure to be taught that the Norwegian F135 Upkeep, Restore, Overhaul & Improve facility at Rygge Air Base efficiently achieved the Preliminary Depot Functionality milestone. It is a important occasion and an essential milestone for Norway and the worldwide F-35 partnership. Moreover, this brings alternatives to the Norwegian protection business and provides weight to our ambition to be a extremely competent and reliable associate inside the F- 35 programme. I additionally want to prolong my honest gratitude to the concerned companions which have, underneath the supervision of the F-35 Joint Program Workplace, made this achievement potential as a group.”
