Pratt & Whitney F100 and F135 engines power 14 European air forces’ air superiority mission

A clear mission fuels the innovation to fulfill it. Without the drive to overcome tomorrow’s challenges, advances in aviation would be at a standstill. The fighter engine development history of Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, embodies that drive to win and gives the warfighter a generational edge in global propulsion technology.

Five decades ago, Pratt & Whitney’s F100 engine powered the F-16’s maiden flight. As a former F-16 pilot, it was plain to see that its leap in power, performance, and reliability was game-changing for our air superiority, with a 50% increase in thrust-to-weight over its predecessor. It was the clear powerplant choice for us and our allies, with the F100 now in service with 23 air forces. Approximately two-thirds of global F-16s are F100 powered, with the most advanced F100s powering F-16 Block 72s.

The F100’s advance has continued, evolving from the first fielded fourth-generation engine to now incorporating operationally proven fifth-generation technologies like state-of-the-art digital electronic controls, advanced thermal coatings, improved turbine cooling capabilities, and prognostics. This makes the F100 a trusted and experienced fighter propulsion solution.

Pratt & Whitney also delivered a leap in technology for fifth-generation propulsion for the F-22 and F-35, powering the world’s premiere stealth fighters. Already, 17 international partners have joined the F-35 program. With 40,000+ lbs. of thrust, an unmatched low-observable signature, and the most advanced adaptive integrated engine control system ever created, the F135 engine delivers the capabilities for the F-35’s most critical missions. Supported by a robust and interconnected global industrial base, the F135 engine has not only proven its superiority in operations but also in affordable sustainment needs for years to come.

Like the F100, the F135 engine also continues to advance. The F135 Engine Core Upgrade will incorporate next-generation technologies, delivering the durability and performance needed to fully enable Block 4 capabilities and beyond for the F-35. Easily retrofittable in all variants, the ECU will ensure F-35 operators can accomplish their most challenging missions. Pratt & Whitney’s extensive F135 experience, with more than 1,200 delivered engines maintaining full mission capability rates over 94%, will ensure the F-35 is durable and has long lasting performance.

In my current role leading Integrated Customer Solutions for Military Engines at Pratt & Whitney, I have the privilege to work with a dedicated and ingenious team that delivers propulsion to our servicemembers and international partners leading the missions to protect freedom. Since the 1920s, Pratt & Whitney engineers have innovated to design cutting-edge and dependable engines—over 7,000 of which are in service with 34 armed forces worldwide today. The F100 and F135 alone have surpassed 30 million and 800,000 flight hours respectively, and have proven to be among the safest, most capable, and reliable fighter engines in service. From fourth-generation to fifth-generation propulsion, Pratt & Whitney continues to unlock greater potential for the advanced aircraft required to fly, fight and win.

Remarks from Steven M. Shepro, vice president of integrated customer solutions for Military Engines at Pratt & Whitney and former U.S Air Force lieutenant general and F-16 pilot.