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Wright-Patterson AFB Today
By the People, for the People
USAF Says Commercial Tech Upgrades Negate Need for C-17 Re-engining
Air Force Life Cycle Management Center affirms continued viability of Pratt & Whitney F117 engine for C-17 fleet
Published on Feb. 24, 2026
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The U.S. Air Force has determined that upgrades to the Pratt & Whitney F117 engine on the C-17 airlifter using commercial technologies make a full re-engining program unnecessary. The Air Force plans to award a 10-year contract to Pratt & Whitney for F117 engine restoration and maintenance to ensure the C-17 fleet remains viable through at least 2075.
Why it matters
The C-17 is a critical asset for the Air Force's global mobility missions, and maintaining its operational readiness is essential. Avoiding a costly re-engining program while still upgrading the engines' performance and reliability through commercial tech will help the Air Force keep the C-17 fleet flying for decades to come.
The details
The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center says the F117 engine continues to exceed reliability and performance benchmarks, allowing the service to implement ongoing sustainment efforts that leverage existing commercial technologies. This approach is seen as the best value for meeting the C-17's operational requirements, rather than pursuing a full re-engining program. The upcoming 10-year contract with Pratt & Whitney will cover engine overhaul, repair, and comprehensive sustaining engineering to ensure the F117's safety, reliability, and readiness.
- In November 2026, the Air Force said it plans to award a 10-year firm fixed price contract at the end of fiscal 2027 to Pratt & Whitney for the restoration of the F117 engine.
- The Air Force previously said its C-17s would last until 2040, but now projects some will keep flying until 2075.
The players
Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC)
The center at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, that has affirmed the continued viability of the Pratt & Whitney F117 engine for the C-17 fleet.
Pratt & Whitney
The manufacturer of the F117 engine used on the C-17 airlifter. Pratt & Whitney will receive a 10-year contract for engine restoration and maintenance.
Boeing
The manufacturer of the C-17 airlifter, which has delivered 222 aircraft to the U.S. Air Force between 1993 and 2013.
What they’re saying
“Uninterrupted inter-theater airlift capacity is paramount for global operations during fleet recapitalization.”
— Brig. Gen. David Fazenbaker, Air Mobility Command's director of strategy, plans, requirements, and programs (Defense Daily)
What’s next
The Air Force plans to award the 10-year F117 engine restoration contract to Pratt & Whitney at the end of fiscal 2027.
The takeaway
By leveraging commercial technologies to upgrade the C-17's existing Pratt & Whitney F117 engines, the Air Force has found a cost-effective way to extend the operational life of this critical airlifter without the need for a full re-engining program. This approach will help ensure the C-17 fleet remains a reliable asset for global mobility missions through at least 2075.
