Inside the $2.8 Billion F135 Engine Contract: Powering the Future of F-35 Fighters

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Pratt & Whitney, a division of RTX, has secured a monumental $2.8 billion contract for the production of the F135 engine Lot 18, which powers the fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft. This contract encompasses all three major variants of the aircraft: the CTOL (Conventional Takeoff and Landing), CV (Carrier Variant), and STOVL (Short Takeoff and Vertical Landing), each tailored to meet the unique operational demands of different military branches and allied forces. The deal marks a significant milestone in the continued evolution and deployment of advanced propulsion systems for modern air combat.

F135. Photo: rtx.com

Beyond the primary engines, the contract includes the provision of spare engines, spare modules, program management, tooling, technical support, and production services for both U.S. and international customers. These additional components and services ensure that the F135 program maintains a high level of readiness and operational efficiency across the global fleet. The comprehensive nature of the contract reflects the strategic importance of the F135 engine in sustaining the performance and reliability of the F-35 platform.

The F135 engine program is not only a technological triumph but also a major contributor to the U.S. economy, supporting over 67,000 jobs nationwide. With involvement from 240 domestic suppliers, the program injects more than $9.1 billion into the American economy in 2024 alone, demonstrating its expansive industrial footprint. This economic impact underscores the symbiotic relationship between defense innovation and national prosperity.

To date, more than 1,300 F135 engines have been delivered to 20 allied nations, reinforcing the engine’s role as a cornerstone of international defense cooperation. These deliveries enhance the interoperability of allied air forces and strengthen collective security frameworks. The widespread adoption of the F135 engine also reflects the trust placed in its performance and reliability by global defense partners.

The F135-PW-100 and F135-PW-400 variants are characterized by their two-spool, axial flow, augmented turbofan design, optimized for high-performance military applications. Measuring 220 inches in length and up to 46 inches in diameter, these engines are compact yet powerful, with a dry weight of 6,422 pounds. Their internal architecture includes a 3-stage fan and a 6-stage high-pressure compressor, feeding into an annular combustor and a turbine system composed of a single-stage high-pressure turbine and a two-stage low-pressure turbine.

With a bypass ratio of 0.57:1, the F135-PW-100/400 engines deliver a maximum military thrust of 28,000 pounds-force, which can be augmented to 43,000 pounds-force with afterburner. The engines boast an overall pressure ratio of 28:1 and a turbine inlet temperature of 3,600 °F, enabling exceptional thermal efficiency and thrust generation. Their thrust-to-weight ratio stands at 4.36:1 in military thrust mode and an impressive 6.70:1 when augmented, highlighting their superior power-to-mass characteristics.

The F135-PW-600 variant introduces a shaft-driven remote lift fan, enabling vertical lift capabilities essential for STOVL operations. This engine is significantly longer at 369 inches and incorporates a lift fan inlet diameter of 53 inches, accommodating the unique requirements of vertical flight. Weighing 7,260 pounds dry, the PW-600 integrates a 3-stage fan, a 6-stage high-pressure compressor, and a 2-stage contra-rotating lift fan, all driven by a single-stage high-pressure turbine and a two-stage low-pressure turbine.

Its bypass ratio varies between 0.56:1 in conventional mode and 0.51:1 in powered lift mode, reflecting the dual operational nature of the engine. The PW-600 delivers 27,000 pounds-force of military thrust, 41,000 pounds-force with afterburner, and 40,650 pounds-force in hover mode, showcasing its versatility across flight regimes. The overall pressure ratio reaches 29:1 in powered lift mode, with a turbine inlet temperature matching its counterparts at 3,600 °F, ensuring consistent thermal performance.

The integration of the F135 engine into the F-35 platform represents a convergence of cutting-edge engineering and strategic foresight. Its modular design allows for ease of maintenance and adaptability across different aircraft configurations, reducing logistical complexity and enhancing fleet readiness. The engine’s advanced materials and manufacturing techniques contribute to its durability and resistance to extreme operational conditions.

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