The Pentagon is making strides in the effort to upgrade the F-35’s engine despite potential budget issues from an impasse in Congress. Pratt & Whitney is confident that the upgraded engines will make it into the fleet by 2029, although the possibility of sequestration cuts is a concern.
The Engine Core Upgrade (ECU) program is still on schedule, despite a few months’ delay, with plans to begin testing the first engine in 2026 and delivering the finished engine upgrade by 2029. The upgrade is designed to be 100% digital and will be relatively easy to replace once ready.
In addition to the engine upgrade, the jet also requires an upgrade to its cooling system for future upgrades. Honeywell and Collins Aerospace are positioning themselves for a potential competition for the new cooling system, as the Pentagon hasn’t yet decided on the next steps.
Pratt is also working on an engine for the Air Force’s next-gen fighter jets under the Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion (NGAP) program, which is in the prototyping phase. Digital prototyping is a significant part of the process, but physical engine prototyping will also be part of the program.
