Fighter Engine Legislation Alive for GE Participation

Journal Staff

The US Congress last week voted to keep alive a plan to have General Electric as one of two firms developing a Joint Strike Fighter engine. A congressional authorization vote allows GE to continue to build an alternate engine to power the fighter of the future – the F-35.

GE’s F-136 engine has met or exceeded performance expectation and demonstrated significant advantages over Pratt and Whitney engines, GE officials said.

GE is currently funding the F136 engine without taxpayer contribution, according to officials there, through 2013.

GE officials believe by showing good faith in this instance, that the company will have a better chance of having their plan and design approved.

Lynn GE management leaders and US Congressman John Tierney have worked tirelessly for the retention of the F-136 engine project.

Should Congress vote accordingly on the measure providing for it, it would be a large infusion of cash into the Lynn GE plant and would likely provide for added jobs and added security for existing positions.

The next major hurdle comes in October when GE is expected to ask for recognition of its advantageous self-funding efforts.

Everything is aimed for inclusion in next year’s budget

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