Engine Has Logged More Than 125K Flight Hours

Pratt & Whitney has delivered the 400th F119 engine, which powers the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor, to the U.S. Air Force. The company says this milestone delivery marks a significant accomplishment for the only operational fifth generation fighter engine in service today and demonstrates the maturity of the propulsion system.

"The F119 logbook continues to grow, surpassing more than 125,000 operational flight hours. Delivery of this 400th F119 engine is tangible proof of the maturity of this fifth generation engine," said Tyler Evans, F119 program director. "We are proud of our ongoing partnership with the U.S. Air Force and Lockheed Martin, and this delivery reinforces our commitment to on-time delivery of quality propulsion systems to our valued customer."

The maturity in both production and flight experience of the F119 engine continues to provide a heritage of performance for the F135 engine, because it is a derivative of the F119 engine and uses a common core, Pratt & Whitney says. The F135 engine is the lead propulsion system on the F-35 Lightning II, and is the only engine currently powering the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The common technology derived from the proven F119 offers a significant advantage to the F135 with respect to maturity and single engine safety.

"The core of the F135 engine is being matured and proven in the twin engine F-22," Evans said. "With 125,000 flying hours, we are able to incorporate the maturity and learning from the F119 core into the F135 propulsion system for the single-engine F-35."

Two F119 engines power the F-22 Raptor. The F119 features a combination of stealth technologies and vectored thrust with high thrust-to-weight performance. The F-22's ability to operate at supersonic speeds without afterburner, known as supercruising, gives the F-22 exceptional combat performance without compromising mission range.

FMI: www.pratt-whitney.com