RTX's Pratt & Whitney completes F135 Engine Core Upgrade preliminary design review

Rhea-AI Summary

RTX's Pratt & Whitney has successfully completed the preliminary design review (PDR) for the F135 Engine Core Upgrade (ECU) for the F-35 fighter jet. The upgrade is designed to restore full engine life and enhance performance to support Block 4 capabilities across all F-35 variants globally.

Key points:

• The ECU design is on schedule and exceeding expectations
• It will enable next-generation weapons and sensors
• The U.S. Department of Defense has officially selected the F135 ECU as the sole modernization solution for the F-35's propulsion system
• Pratt & Whitney has delivered over 1,200 F135 production engines with more than 860,000 flight hours recorded
• The ECU will be incorporated into new F-35s and retrofitted at global F135 depot facilities

Program remains on track to fully enable the F-35's future needs 

EAST HARTFORD, Conn., July 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Pratt & Whitney, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, completed the F135 Engine Core Upgrade's (ECU) preliminary design review (PDR), affirming the ECU's design is on schedule and exceeding expectations. The upgrade will deliver increased engine durability and performance that will fully enable Block 4 and beyond capabilities for all three variants of the F-35 worldwide.

During the PDR, Pratt & Whitney and the F-35 Joint Program Office evaluated the ECU's design changes and propulsion technologies, both of which are needed to restore full life to the engine and provide improved performance to enable 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. "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 formally selected the F135 ECU as the only modernization solution for the F-35's propulsion system because it assessed that Pratt & Whitney alone "has the experience, special skills, proprietary technical documentation, software/algorithms, and technical expertise required to furnish the supplies and services."

"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 more than 1,200 F135 production engines, with more than 860,000 engine flight hours recorded. The F135 ECU will be incorporated into F-35s at the point of production or retrofitted at one of the multiple F135 depot sustainment facilities around the world.

About Pratt & Whitney 
Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines and auxiliary power units. To learn more visit www.prattwhitney.com.

About RTX 
With more than 185,000 global employees, RTX pushes the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. Through industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon – we are advancing aviation, engineering integrated defense systems, and developing next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2023 sales of $69 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact corporatepr@rtx.com.

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SOURCE RTX

FAQ

What is the F135 Engine Core Upgrade (ECU) for the F-35?

The F135 ECU is a modernization program by RTX's Pratt & Whitney to enhance the F-35 fighter jet's engine performance and durability. It will restore full engine life and enable Block 4 capabilities for all F-35 variants.

When did Pratt & Whitney complete the preliminary design review for the F135 ECU?

Pratt & Whitney completed the preliminary design review (PDR) for the F135 Engine Core Upgrade on July 15, 2024, as stated in the press release.

How many F135 engines has Pratt & Whitney delivered to date?

According to the press release, Pratt & Whitney has delivered more than 1,200 F135 production engines, with over 860,000 engine flight hours recorded.

Why was the F135 ECU chosen by the U.S. Department of Defense?

The U.S. Department of Defense selected the F135 ECU as the only modernization solution for the F-35's propulsion system because Pratt & Whitney has the unique experience, skills, and technical expertise required for the project.

How will the F135 ECU be implemented in existing F-35 aircraft?

The F135 ECU will be incorporated into new F-35s at the point of production and retrofitted into existing aircraft at multiple F135 depot sustainment facilities around the world.