State pols cheer funds bill for GE engine program

LYNN-The Senate has voted to appropriate funds for an alternative version of the Joint Strike Fighter engine, a decision that benefits GE Lynn by stabilizing its berth in the U.S. military jet engine market.As a result of the vote, the Department of Defense will continue to pursue the design and development of the rival GE engine, some of which will be manufactured at the GE River Works.Aircraft engine maker Pratt & Whitney won the bulk of the contract, but GE in partnership with Rolls Royce argued it would be more effective, promote competition and ensure a steady supply of engines if an alternative model of the engine were available.President Barack Obama was opposed to the alternative engine, saying it was unnecessary, but U.S. senators John F. Kerry and Paul Kirk, along with U.S. Rep. John F. Tierney, were able to gain support in Congress for the project.The Joint Strike Fighter, also known as the F-35 Lightning, will be used by the Air Force, Navy and Marines, the models modified for the various combat missions of each service.In passing the Department of Defense Appropriations bill, the Senate included $465 million for the alternative engine program. The U.S. House of Representatives passed the same bill two days earlier. The measure has been sent to President Obama for his signature.”This day is a long time in coming and it’s sweeter because of the fight it took to get here,” said Kerry. “This investment will keep good jobs at home in Lynn while helping our armed forces.”Kirk echoed Kerry’s assessment. “I’m pleased these federal funds will keep jobs in Lynn,” he said. “The Joint Strike Fighter moves us toward the future of air warfare and I’m proud to see Massachusetts playing a leading role in our national security.”According to Tierney, passage of the bill “is great news for the talented, hard-working employees at the GE plant in Lynn.”The congressman said the alternative engine program spurs competition and should drive down costs.General Electric currently builds several combat aircraft engines, including the T700 for the Apache attack helicopter, and the Blackhawk, Seahawk and Jayhawk helicopters used by the Army, Navy and Coast Guard for moving cargo and troops. The company also makes the GE38 engine that powers the military’s super-sized CH53 cargo helicopter.The GE F414 engine powers the Navy’s F-18E/F Super Hornet, a state-of-the-art fighter in widespread use, primarily aboard aircraft carriers. The Super Hornet will be phased out once the Joint Strike Fighter becomes operational. If GE did not receive a contract for its rival powerplant, its overall U.S. military jet engine work would be dramatically reduced.