All Initial Service Release Development Testing Completed

The F135 engine developed by Pratt & Whithey has surpassed 20,000 test hours as it completes the ground development and demonstration phase of the program. The F135 accumulated 3,600 test hours during the concept demonstration phase, 15,800 test hours during development and more than 700 hours powering the F-35 Lightning II flight test program. In addition, the F135 team has completed all rigorous STOVL testing required to successfully achieve the initial service release milestone.

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"Pratt & Whitney is proud of the F135's performance in the successful ground and flight test programs," said Bennett Croswell, vice president, Pratt & Whitney F135/F119 Engine Programs. "Exceeding 20,000 test hours while simultaneously powering a successful F-35 flight test program demonstrates the maturity and reliability of the F135 engine for our customers' armed forces around the world."

The F135 is in production and is the only engine powering the F-35 Lightning II flight test program at this time. The conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) engine and STOVL propulsion system have accumulated 510 flights and more than 745 flight test hours. The engine has powered all 12 vertical landings and the company says it is demonstrating excellent reliability, performance and thrust response. 11 production engines have been delivered, including the first production STOVL propulsion systems. 

FMI: www.pratt-whitney.com