GE Aerospace has a new contract from the Defense Logistics Agency to increase readiness of the J85 engine, the small turbojet unit that powers the U.S. Air Force’s T-38 fighter aircraft. The seven-month contract, which includes options that extend the agreement for a further 53 months, directs GE Aerospace provide fleet management and supply optimization in support of jet engines used by the USAF in pilot training programs.
The J85 is lightweight, single-spool turbojet engine developed in the 1950s for high-performance military aircraft, including the T-38 Talon and F-5 Freedom Fighter training jets used by the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy.
The supplier noted that this award represents its first TrueChoice™ Defense contract, involving various service agreements customized for military engine fleets, to enhance operational readiness and reduce lifecycle costs.
Relatedly, GE has enlisted Palantir Technologies for its expertise in aerospace engineering, data integration, and artificial intelligence. Palantir is a software developer that builds data integration, analytics, and AI platforms for government agencies, military, and commercial organizations.
Together, GE and Palantir will partner to improve USAF supply chain constraints, parts availability, and informed decision-making for J85 sustainment.
In coordination with the USAF and DLA, GE will apply artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics to consolidate disparate data and predict when parts will be needed, identify emerging supply chain constraints, and provide a comprehensive view of readiness for decision-making, engine sustainment, and strategic preparation.
“This contract directly supports increased readiness for the J85 engine and the U.S. Air Force’s primary training fleet,” stated GE’s Asha Belarski, general manager of customer support and sustainment for Defense & Systems. “By integrating data across the enterprise and applying AI to predict demand and identify constraints earlier, we are helping the Air Force keep more aircraft available to ensure our airmen get the training required to execute on their mission.”
