Powers F-22 Raptor, Variant Propels F-35

The Pratt & Whitney F119 engine has logged more than 50,000 operational flight hours, a major milestone for the engine program. Pratt & Whitney’s F119 is the only fifth-generation fighter engine in operational service and is the exclusive power source for the United States Air Force’s F-22 Raptor.

"This engine continues to establish benchmarks for fighter engine safety and reliability," said Chris Flynn, Pratt & Whitney F119 program director. "These standards demonstrate the robust capability of Pratt & Whitney’s latest operational engine and we are proud of this important accomplishment."

The F119 engine features a unique thrust-vectoring nozzle, allowing unprecedented speed, agility, precision and situational awareness combined with air-to-ground and air-to-air combat capabilities. Powered by two F119s, the F-22 is able to supercruise, or achieve supersonic speeds without the use of the afterburner.

A derivative of the F119, the F135 engine powers the new F-35 Lightning II, which completed its first flight in December 2006. The engine continues to power the F-35 flight test program.

F119-powered F-22 Raptors currently operate from Langley Air Force Base (AFB), VA; Edwards AFB, CA; Nellis AFB, NV; Tyndall AFB, FL; and Elmendorf AFB, AK, as of August 8.

The F-22 team was awarded the 2006 Collier Trophy, one of aviations top honors.

FMI: www.pw.utc.com