A division of United Technologies Corp. has launched an engine update meant to enhance aircraft power and thermal management system capacity.
Pratt & Whitney announced Tuesday that its Growth Option 2.0 upgrade for the fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II‘s F135 engine is geared to address PTMS functions for future block updates to the aircraft.
Matthew Bromberg, president of Pratt & Whitney’s military engines unit, said the company developed technology insertion options to allow customers to stay updated with advances in propulsion, through the F-35 program’s Continuous Capability Development and Delivery strategy.
The updates can be configured according to customer requirements and will help operators employ enhanced F-35 weapon systems through augmented PTMS.
Growth Option 2.0 features compressor and turbine technologies similar to Growth Option 1.0 and advanced scaled PTMS enhancements, while it retains a five to six percent fuel burn and six to 10 percent thrust change through the F-35 flight envelope.