Pratt & Whitney’s F135 engine core upgrade meets key milestone
Pratt & Whitney, a subsidiary of RTX, has successfully completed the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) for the F135 Engine Core Upgrade (ECU), setting the stage for enhanced durability and performance in the F-35’s propulsion system.
As noted by the company, the PDR marks a significant step forward in ensuring the F-35 remains at the forefront of air dominance capabilities globally.
The PDR evaluated the ECU’s design changes and propulsion technologies, necessary for restoring the engine’s full lifecycle and enabling next-generation weapon and sensor integration. Chris Johnson, Vice President of Pratt & Whitney’s F135 program, emphasized the importance of this upgrade. “Pratt & Whitney is upgrading the F135 engine with technology from multiple development programs to deliver increased capability and performance for the warfighter,” he stated.
The U.S. Department of Defense has selected the F135 ECU as the sole modernization solution for the F-35’s propulsion system. This decision underscores Pratt & Whitney’s unique expertise and technical capabilities. “Upgrading the F-35’s propulsion system to ECU is a critical step toward ensuring the F-35 remains the world’s premier air dominance fighter,” added Johnson.
The F135 ECU will significantly enhance the engine’s performance and durability, essential for meeting the demanding requirements of modern aerial combat. “The PDR was a successful first step toward the capability the ECU will provide in meeting the challenging performance and durability requirements of the F135,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Mitchell Grant, F-35 propulsion program manager. “The ECU will ensure that the U.S. and our international partners remain well positioned to outpace adversary threats.”
To date, Pratt & Whitney has delivered over 1,200 F135 production engines, accumulating more than 860,000 engine flight hours. The F135 ECU will be integrated into new F-35 aircraft during production and retrofitted in existing jets through various depot sustainment facilities worldwide.