EAST HARTFORD, Conn.,
Oct. 25, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Pratt
& Whitney, a division of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX),
today announced that the F135 engine, which powers the fifth
generation F-35 Lightning II, has successfully demonstrated
full-life capability of its cold section (components consisting of
the fan and compressor) during accelerated mission testing (AMT) at
the Arnold Engineering Development Complex, located on Arnold Air
Force Base in Tullahoma, Tenn.
This achievement of 9,400 total accumulated cycles (TAC) –
the equivalent of approximately fourteen years of operation or
approximately 2,000 F-35 missions – was completed while running the
engine at extreme conditions to simulate operational engines.
"Demonstrating the full life capability of the F135 engine's
cold section represents a key milestone for the program," said
John Wiedemer, vice president, F135
Program, Pratt & Whitney. "This milestone follows the
successful full-life testing of the F135's hot section in 2015 and
validates the excellent engine durability we're seeing in early
fleet exposure. This shows we have a robust propulsion system
capable of providing full mission capability to the
warfighter."
AMT is conducted as a means of testing and validating
reliability and maintainability performance for the engine over the
span of its life. It also helps identify any potential issues well
before they would be encountered by the operational fleet.
Made possible by the U.S. Air Force Component Improvement Program,
this test was focused on the Conventional Takeoff and Landing
(CTOL) engine variant which powers both the F-35A and F-35C models.
Testing took place between August
2014 and October 2017, and
consisted of two hot section intervals, which is equivalent to the
cold section life.
During AMT, F135 engines accumulate equivalent flight hours
under monitored conditions and at a faster rate than in operating
aircraft. The advanced data collection from this program identifies
improvement opportunities aimed at maximizing readiness within the
life cycle cost expectations for the entire F135 CTOL powered F-35
fleet.
"We're proud to work with our U.S. Air Force customer on this
important accelerated mission testing as part of the Component
Improvement Program," added Mr. Wiedemer. "This testing provides us
an opportunity to complete a detailed inspection of the engine
years before the operational fleet reaches this point to improve
mission readiness, reliability and maintainability as well as
reduce engine life cycle cost."
About Pratt & Whitney
Pratt & Whitney is a
world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft
engines and auxiliary power units. United Technologies Corp., based
in Farmington, Connecticut,
provides high-technology systems and services to the building and
aerospace industries. To learn more about UTC, visit its website
at www.utc.com, or follow the company on
Twitter: @UTC.
For more information about Pratt & Whitney, visit
http://www.pratt-whitney.com
Pratt & Whitney
+1 (860) 565-9600
media@pw.utc.com
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SOURCE Pratt & Whitney