Summary
I tend to agree that having a dual sourcing concept for this engine is important. Should, heavens forbid, we get into another real fighting war with lets say North Korea, we will need to boost the production of the JSF and the production of its power plant. Having two sources would become critical in a time of war. We should look at WWII, Vietnam and the current conflicts as examples of how critical it is to have multiple sources for the tools of war. This should be done on a contingency basis with 10% of the production going to GE and 90 to Pratt. This way, both are making engines and both have the capacity to expand if need be. If Pratt goes belly up, then GE is still in the picture and then we will need to find a new #2.
Analysis
Both engine manufactures are strong and excellent engineering houses and need work to support their manufacturing complex. Given the extreme importance of the JSF air frame to the future of the US Military, it makes a great deal of sense to spread the capability and maintain our ability to increase our productivity in the event of a real fighting war as I have noted above. A split of 90-10 will not hurt either company and would make it better should we need the extra capacity in a hurry.
