Lockheed Martin wants new engine for F-35 fighter and criticises Pratt & Whitney F135 ECU upgrade

Lockheed Martin has issued a surprise statement criticising the company's decision to upgrade the Pratt & Whitney F135 propulsion system. The manufacturer of the F-35 fifth-generation fighter wants to equip the aircraft with a new engine.

Here's What We Know

Greg Ulmer, executive vice president of Lockheed Martin, said on the sidelines of the Paris Air Show that the company supports the Adaptive Engine Transition Program (AETP) project. He said he supports and will continue to support the idea of a new engine for the F-35.

According to Ulmer, some of the approaches are very short-sighted and do not take into account the long term. What is probably at issue here is the desire by the US Department of Defence and Pratt & Whitney to upgrade the existing F135 engine, which is used in all F-35 fighters at the moment.

The AETP will provide more power and improved cooling capabilities, which are essential ahead of the Block 4 upgrade. The future upgrade is critical. It will bring new sensors and improved electronic warfare capabilities. Many of Block 4's upgrade points remain a secret.

While Greg Ulmer was talking to journalists at the Paris Air Show, Lockheed Martin issued a short press release. It says that the F-35 will continue in service until 2070, which will require additional engine upgrades. It is possible that keeping the F135, even with Engine Core Upgrade, will result in having to build a new propulsion system for the fifth-generation fighter in the future.

Source: Lockheed Martin, Breaking Defense