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INDUSTRY |
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P&W F135 Powers Successful Sea Trials for F-35 Programme
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Sea trials have concluded for the F-35B Lightning II’s Short Takeoff and Vertical Landing (STOVL) aircraft. Flying under the power of Pratt & Whitney’s F135 propulsion system, two STOVL variants conducted 72 short takeoffs and vertical landings, for a total of 260 vertical landings in the programme.
The three-week sea trial period was conducted aboard the USS Wasp sailing from Norfolk Naval Base in Norfolk, Virginia. Key events included operating two F-35B aircraft on deck, at the same time, in both landing and takeoff operations. The tests were completed on schedule and demonstrated that the F-35B aircraft and F135 propulsion system are meeting programme goals.
“Beginning with the ‘first ever’ F-35B vertical landing to take place on a ship, the F135 provided dependable performance throughout the series of rigorous tests. We are meeting our goals on performance and affordability at this critical time for the F-35B programme,” said Chris Flynn, vice president F135/F119 engine programmes.
US Navy and Marine Corps leadership were pleased with the deck handling qualities of the F-35B. “It is no small feat to put together sea trials,” said Vice Admiral David Venlet, F-35 programme executive officer. “This test was planned to happen on October 3 back in early spring of this year and the team delivered on schedule. |
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Signs of dependable performance are emerging across broad aspects of the development programme. Professionals from the navy, marine corps and industry team of Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems, Pratt & Whitney and Rolls-Royce continue to work tirelessly to deliver this aircraft to the fleet,” Venlet said. He added, “Every time an aircraft is first tested at sea we learn a great deal and the data collected from the event informs us about the further development work necessary to successfully integrate the F-35B on large-deck amphibious ships. By all accounts, we’re off to a great start.”
Flynn said, “During the trials, the F135 provided outstanding capability and reliability in more than 70 short takeoffs and vertical landings by four different pilots over three weeks.” The Pratt & Whitney F135 powers the F-35 Lightning II and the engine is in production. Pratt & Whitney has delivered all 18 F135 flight test engines required for the programme as well as 32 production engines. The F135 propulsion system has powered more than 1,400 flight tests, 2,150 flight hours and more than 260 vertical landings. |
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