UTX Receives Maintenance Contract

United Technologies Corp. ( UTX - Analyst Report ) recently received a maintenance contract worth $65 million from the U.S. Department of Defense. The contract was awarded to the Military Engines subsidiary of Pratt & Whitney – one of the business segments of the company.

The contract entails Pratt & Whitney to maintain and repair F135 propulsion systems that are used in F-35 fighter jets. These fighter jets are manufactured by aerospace giant Lockheed Martin Corporation ( LMT - Analyst Report ) and are presently deployed in the U.S. Marine Corps, Air Force and Navy. In addition to regular maintenance services, Pratt & Whitney will also provide fleet and material management, engineering services, and technical data updates to the U.S. Department of Defense.

Pratt & Whitney is among the world’s leading suppliers of aircraft engines for the commercial, military, business jet and general aviation markets. Pratt & Whitney’s Global Services provides maintenance, repair and overhaul services, including the sale of spare parts, as well as fleet management services for large commercial engines

Based in Hartford, Conn, United Technologies provides high-end technology products and services to the building systems and aerospace industries worldwide. The company is a diversified business conglomerate serving various end markets such as aerospace, defense and commercial construction. The business diversification allows the company to remain profitable amid tough economic times.

The operations of the company are primarily classified into two principal businesses: commercial and aerospace. Under its commercial business, the company has Otis and the UTC Climate, Controls & Security division which combined the former Carrier and UTC Fire & Security divisions. The aerospace business of the company consists of Sikorsky aircraft and the UTC Propulsion & Aerospace Systems, which includes UTC Aerospace Systems and Pratt & Whitney divisions.

United Technologies faces intense competition from industry bigwigs such as China Merchants Holdings (International) Company Limited ( CMHHY ) , and Jardine Strategic Holdings Ltd. ( JSHLY ) , each carrying a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). United Technologies presently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).