Wed, Nov 25, 2009
Engine Has Logged More Than 125K Flight Hours
Pratt & Whitney has delivered
the 400th F119 engine, which powers the Lockheed Martin F-22
Raptor, to the U.S. Air Force. The company says this milestone
delivery marks a significant accomplishment for the only
operational fifth generation fighter engine in service today and
demonstrates the maturity of the propulsion system.
"The F119 logbook continues to grow, surpassing more than
125,000 operational flight hours. Delivery of this 400th F119
engine is tangible proof of the maturity of this fifth generation
engine," said Tyler Evans, F119 program director. "We are proud of
our ongoing partnership with the U.S. Air Force and Lockheed
Martin, and this delivery reinforces our commitment to on-time
delivery of quality propulsion systems to our valued customer."
The maturity in both production and
flight experience of the F119 engine continues to provide a
heritage of performance for the F135 engine, because it is a
derivative of the F119 engine and uses a common core, Pratt &
Whitney says. The F135 engine is the lead propulsion system on the
F-35 Lightning II, and is the only engine currently powering the
F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The common technology derived from the
proven F119 offers a significant advantage to the F135 with respect
to maturity and single engine safety.
"The core of the F135 engine is being matured and proven in the
twin engine F-22," Evans said. "With 125,000 flying hours, we are
able to incorporate the maturity and learning from the F119 core
into the F135 propulsion system for the single-engine F-35."
Two F119 engines power the F-22 Raptor. The F119 features a
combination of stealth technologies and vectored thrust with high
thrust-to-weight performance. The F-22's ability to operate at
supersonic speeds without afterburner, known as supercruising,
gives the F-22 exceptional combat performance without compromising
mission range.
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