The committee’s bill includes $497 million for the development of the Pratt & Whitney F135 ECU, which is the chosen modernization effort for the F-35 engine by the United States DoD.
Pratt & Whitney, a business unit of Raytheon Technologies Corporation, has received significant support from the Senate Appropriations Committee for its F135-related program items as part of the path toward finalizing the 2024 appropriations bill. Led by Chairman Jon Tester (D-MT) and Ranking Member Susan Collins (R-ME), the bipartisan committee passed a bill that includes crucial funding and provisions for the F135 engine, which powers the advanced F-35 Lightning II aircraft.
The committee’s bill includes $497 million for the development of the F135 engine core upgrade (ECU), which is the chosen modernization effort for the F-35 engine by the Department of Defense (DoD). This upgrade will enhance the performance and capabilities of the F135, contributing to the overall operational effectiveness of the F-35 fleet.
In addition to the funding for the engine core upgrade, the bill allocates $264 million above the President’s budget request for F135 engine spares and repair parts. These funds are vital for ensuring the readiness and availability of engines for the F-35 fleet, supporting ongoing maintenance and sustainment efforts. The bill also includes a provision that prohibits the integration of any alternate engine on any F-35 variant. This decision underscores the committee’s confidence in the F135 engine and its commitment to supporting a unified propulsion system for the entire F-35 fleet.
“I want to personally thank Senators Tester and Collins for their leadership on this effort, because it’s essential to ensuring our limited DoD funds go to the most urgent, high-priority needs,” said Jeff Shockey, senior vice president of Global Government Relations, RTX. “I also want to express my gratitude to the Senate Appropriations Chair Patty Murray (D-WA), Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) and the entire Connecticut and Maine delegations for their support and advocacy,” he further added.
Furthermore, the Senate Appropriations Committee has allocated $280 million for the development of future engine technology, with the potential application in sixth-generation tactical aircraft. This forward-looking investment demonstrates the committee’s focus on advancing cutting-edge propulsion solutions to meet future national defense priorities.
“The Senate Appropriations Committee’s full funding of the Engine Core Upgrade program, its addition of $280 million for future-generation propulsion technologies, and language prohibiting integration of an alternate engine on any F-35 variant are critically important,” said Jill Albertelli, president of Military Engines, Pratt & Whitney. “Our collective focus should be on maximizing the performance of all three variants of the F-35, while prioritizing the advancement of sixth-generation solutions that serve our highest, most urgent national defense priorities,” he further added.
The F135 engine is a crucial component of the F-35 program, supporting nearly 55,000 jobs across 41 states and involving more than 260 domestic suppliers. In March 2023, the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Navy made the decision to upgrade the F135 engine rather than pursuing an entirely new engine option. This choice was part of the administration’s 2024 budget proposal.
Read More Stories…The challenges of factory freighters compared to P2F
The continued support from Congress and the Senate Appropriations Committee is instrumental in ensuring the continued success and effectiveness of the F-35 program, solidifying the F135 engine’s position as a leading propulsion system for one of the world’s most advanced multi-role fighter aircraft.
