F-35 Block Four testing includes two types of F135 engine
Raytheon Technologies company Pratt & Whitney was awarded a contract on 5 February to produce F135 engines for three F-35 Lightning II Block Four developmental testing aircraft.
One of these engines will be a conventional take-off and landing variant for the F-35A and F-35C; the other two will be two-cycle engines (each with a forward lift fan) for the F-35B STOVL aircraft.
Work on the $49.19 million contract modification from US Naval Air Systems Command will be completed by January 2023.
The developmental test programme for the F-35 Lightning II Block Four (the most advanced standard) will support the USAF, USN, USMC and non-DoD participants.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
World Defense Show 2026: Airbus details A400M upgrade as second Indonesia aircraft delivery looms
With the A400M set for a capability upgrade, Airbus officials are bullish about the aircraft and its market potential for both new and existing customers with the improvements geared towards meeting future requirements.
-
World Defense Show 2026: L3Harris to achieve full-rate production of Viper Shield soon
L3Harris has completed the production candidate software load for its Viper Shield airborne electronic warfare system and is conducting sea trials with its VAMPIRE counter-drone system.
-
Singapore Airshow 2026: CCA manufacturers eye growing opportunities in Asia-Pacific
Companies offering collaborative combat aircraft say there is a massive potential for countries adopting the capability in the Asia-Pacific region.
-
Singapore Airshow 2026: Airbus-RSAF H225M teaming tests point to future scalability
The tests between a Republic of Singapore Air Force H225M and Airbus Flexrotor uncrewed aerial system were designed to allow the crew to receive and process real-time data from the UAS while maintaining direct command and control.