Pratt & Whitney Says It Has Shifted From Development To Production Mode

The first production F135 Short Take Off/Vertical Landing (STOVL) engine for the F-35 Lightning II has been delivered by Pratt & Whitney, which the company says is a clear demonstration that the F135 STOVL propulsion system has transitioned from development to production.

F135 STOVL Engine Bench Test

"The F135 engine program accomplishments this year have been historical, and this first production STOVL delivery milestone demonstrates our commitment to fielding the most advanced military jet engine technology to the benefit of the war fighter," said Bennett Croswell, vice president of F119/F135 Engine Programs for Pratt & Whitney. "We are particularly proud to be producing the most advanced propulsion systems ever built and that they will be used by the United States Marine Corp and our allies."

The Pratt & Whitney F135 continues its steady progress through development testing and validation, into full production and sustainment. The F135 propulsion system has powered 509 flights and more than 740 flight test hours to date. The F135 has also completed more than 20,000 hours of testing - 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. The Conventional Takeoff and Landing (CTOL) / Carrier Variant (CV) engine received Initial Service Release (ISR) in February 2010 indicating that the engine has met the ISR requirements for safety, reliability, durability and performance, and that it is now cleared for use in the field. Pratt & Whitney has delivered all F135 flight test engines required for the program as well as 11 production engines, which includes the first STOVL F135 delivery. The STOVL F135 engine has completed all required testing and is on track to receive ISR certification before the end of the year.

F135 Engine Testing File Photo

"With both the CTOL and STOVL variant F135 engines in production and performing well in flight test, it is clear that the F135 has demonstrated and earned its position as the Department of Defense's propulsion system of choice for the F-35 Lightning II," Croswell said.

Pratt & Whitney says the F135 propulsion system has proven through extensive ground and flight test experience that it can meet diverse aircraft requirements for armed forces around the world.

FMI: www.pw.utc.com