Honeywell urges Pratt & Whitney to share F-35 engine data or risk costly maintenance and reduced reliability
Although the Block 4 and Block 5 requirements have not yet been outlined, future F-35 fighters are estimated to need 60-80kW of cooling. (Photo: USAF)
'We're getting into a zone where [the engine and the cooling] are going to be out of phase with each other... which means you're going to have to take the [F-35] jet down twice for overhaul and replacement of systems,' Honeywell official tells Shephard.
Unless RTX's Pratt & Whitney collaborates in sharing engine upgrade-related data with industry by the end of the year, there is a risk of encountering recurrent issues in engine performance, Honeywell has told Shephard. These challenges are likely to mirror the problems that contributed to diminished reliability and a failure to meet established standards in the F-35 engine in 2008.
The issue revolves around the Power and Thermal Management System (PTMS) and the Enhanced Power and Cooling System (EPACS), both vying to provide improved power and cooling solutions for the F-35 fighter.
The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) published a
Access this article and other Decisive Edge Newsletter news content with a free basic account
Create account
You will also get one free Premium News article each week
Already have an account? Log in
More from Decisive Edge Newsletter
-
![Cubic tailors mortar simulator for the US Army]()
Cubic tailors mortar simulator for the US Army
The company’s mortar trainer received improvements based on soldier’s feedback.
-
![China unveils new military kit and demonstrates technological prowess]()
China unveils new military kit and demonstrates technological prowess
From the J-35A twin-engine fighter and the CH-7 stealth surveillance platform, to the Smart-configuration Support UAV and JARI-USV-A unmanned surface vessel, China has been showcasing its ability to project military power through recent technological innovations.
-
![I/ITSEC 2024: Zeiss introduces Velvet 4K SIM projector for night flight simulation]()
I/ITSEC 2024: Zeiss introduces Velvet 4K SIM projector for night flight simulation
The next-generation platform is motion-compatible and can be used in OTW and NVG applications.
-
![I/ITSEC 2024: Babcock Immersive Training Experience debuts in US]()
I/ITSEC 2024: Babcock Immersive Training Experience debuts in US
Named BITE, the system simulates the battlefield environment with multiple sensorial stimuli.
-
![What Saudi Arabia’s GCAP involvement could mean for the UK]()
What Saudi Arabia’s GCAP involvement could mean for the UK
Analysts have said that making space for the country in the sixth-gen fighter aircraft initiative could give the UK a chance to ease the financial burden of the aircraft’s development.
-
![Rheinmetall locks in $950 million purchase of US company to strengthen position]()
Rheinmetall locks in $950 million purchase of US company to strengthen position
Rheinmetall is working to open up the US market and the potential billions of dollars on offer. In order to get in the door it has purchased engineering company Loc Performance Products.
