Lockheed Martin undermines Pentagon decision to support F135 Engine Core Upgrade - Pratt & Whitney

Lockheed Martin executive vice president Greg Ulmer has said that the F-35 fifth-generation fighter should get an adaptive engine. Pratt & Whitney has criticised his words.

Here's What We Know

The development of the propulsion system is taking place under the Adaptive Engine Transition Program (AETP). The Pentagon has decided to carry out an Engine Core Upgrade (ECU). It will improve the F135 engine before the big F-35 Block 4 upgrade.

AETP is the technology that will be used in the sixth generation fighter platforms. The announcement was made by Jill Albertelli, president of Pratt & Whitney's military engine division.

The US company said Greg Ulmer's words undermine the US Defense Department's decision to support the F135 ECU programme. Installing an untested adaptive engine in the F-35 is a very risky choice.

General Electric is also working within the AETP programme. It has promoted the idea of using an adaptive engine in the F-35. The Pentagon was intrigued by the increased power and improved cooling capabilities. However, the incompatibility of the propulsion system with the F-35B fighter was a key factor in the decision to go with the F135 ECU.

By the way, Lockheed Martin has come up with a simple way to solve the problem. The F-35B fighters will be able to continue using the F135, while other aircraft will be equipped with adaptive engines. Foreign customers would be free to choose the propulsion system. But such an approach will require large investments.

Source: Defence News