In its spend plan submitted to the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee on the 29th May, the Department of Defense (DoD) highlighted the supply chain for TF33 parts as an area of particular concern. The TF33 is the US Air Force (USAF) designation for Pratt & Whitney’s JT3D turbofan aircraft engine, and is in currently in service on platforms such as the B-52. However, the TF33 is no longer produced by Pratt & Whitney. With the B-52 projected to remain in service until 2050, and a contract for engine replacement not being expected until June 2021, a network of small contractors is relied upon to provide parts to keep these platforms flying. Harry Boneham, Associate Analyst at GlobalData, comments, ‘it could be argued that the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed existing weaknesses in DoD supply chains, and the TF33 supply chain is an example of this. Without the support of a major prime, suppliers for the TF33 are particularly exposed.’

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