Pratt & Whitney’s F119 engine powering the Air Force’s F-22 Raptor reached its first hot section full-life capability of 4,325 total accumulated cycles, during a recent mission at Langley AFB, Va., the company said.
This achievement was made possible through an accelerated engine maturity program, using engines that “lead the fleet” to demonstrate full-life capability of F119 production engines. Pratt & Whitney is a United Technologies Corp. [UTX] company. “Being able to conduct a full-life overhaul, years ahead of the remainder of the operational fleet, provides valuable insight and confidence on this fifth-generation engine, as well as the F135 engine, powering the F-35 [Joint Strike Fighter] today,” said Bennett Croswell, vice president, F135/F119 Engine Programs, Pratt & Whitney.
The accelerated maturity program for the F119 engine, called “Compass Vector,” is a partnership between Pratt & Whitney and the Air Force. These “lead the fleet” engines fly approximately two times the normal fly rate at operational bases in various environmental conditions.
The advanced data collection from this program identifies sustainment opportunities aimed at maximizing readiness within the life cycle cost expectations for the entire F119 powered F-22 fleet.
Pratt & Whitney continues to deliver both F119 and F135 engines, with approximately 360 F119 engines and 18 F135 production engines delivered to date.
The F135 is powering the F-35 flight test program, with more than 740 flights, 1,200 flight hours and 64 flawless vertical landings.