Pratt & Whitney, a business unit of RTX, has successfully completed the preliminary design review (PDR) for the F135 Engine Core Upgrade (ECU), confirming that the programme is on track to “meet and exceed the F-35’s future requirements”, according to a press release.
This upgrade aims to enhance engine durability and performance, fully supporting the Block 4 capabilities for all three variants of the F-35 globally.
During the PDR, both Pratt & Whitney and the F-35 Joint Program Office say they reviewed the design changes and propulsion technologies integral to the ECU. These enhancements are expected to restore the engine’s full lifespan and improve performance to support next-generation weapons and sensors.
“Pratt & Whitney is upgrading the F135 engine with technology from multiple development programs to deliver increased capability and performance for the warfighter,” said Chris Johnson, vice president of Pratt & Whitney’s F135 program, quoted in the news release.
“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.”
Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Defense selected the F135 ECU as the sole modernisation solution for the F-35’s propulsion system, citing Pratt & Whitney’s unique experience and technical expertise. The department noted that the company “has the experience, special skills, proprietary technical documentation, software/algorithms, and technical expertise required to furnish the supplies and services,” according to the press release.
To date, Pratt & Whitney has delivered over 1,200 F135 production engines, which have accumulated more than 860,000 engine flight hours. The F135 ECU will be incorporated into new F-35s during production or retrofitted at various F135 depot sustainment facilities worldwide, as stated in the press release.