P&W's F135 for the F-35 JSF Achieves 1st Afterburner Test

Pratt & Whitney's (P&W) first F135 production configuration test engine (FX631) has completed its first test run with the use of its thrust augmenting afterburner.

On November 8th, the afterburner lit and ran in zone one of its three-zone afterburning configuration. The next step in the testing program will be further tests of the afterburner performance envelope into the remaining two zones as well as fan performance mapping. To date FX631 has accumulated 55 hours of run time, all tests have been successful and during each test the engine has run well.

The F135 Propulsion System Team consists of P&W, the prime contractor with responsibility for the propulsion system and system integration for all variants; Hamilton Sundstrand, provider of the F135's control system, external accessories and gearbox; and Rolls-Royce, providing the Rolls-Royce LiftFan(TM), 3 Bearing Swivel Module and Roll Posts to the STOVL (Short Take- Off/Vertical Landing) F-35B.

FMI: www.pw.utc.com