Pratt & Whitney has completed the risk reduction design review for its F135 Engine Core Upgrade, a key step in the modernisation of the F-35’s engine programme at the company’s East Hartford, Connecticut, site. The review validated the maturity of the upgrade design and moved the effort closer to production for all three F-35 variants.
The upgrade is intended to provide full engine life, along with additional power and thermal management capacity for advanced sensors, weapons and Block 4 and later capabilities. The review covered detailed design elements, propulsion technologies, integration issues and industrial-base readiness for both production and retrofit pathways.
The work is backed by a 2024 contract and includes design maturation, aircraft integration, test preparation and supply-chain readiness. U.S. Navy Capt. Mitch Grant, the F-35 Propulsion Program Manager, described the review as evidence of strong industry-government collaboration and a mature ECU design. Pratt & Whitney’s military engines president Jill Albertelli said the milestone reflects progress toward delivering the capability to the warfighter.