US firm to build fighter jet engines that deliver 40,000-lb thrust

Pratt & Whitney, a Connecticut-based firm, has secured a contract to produce Lot 18 of the F135 engines, which power all three variants of the F-35 Lightning II, a fifth-generation fighter aircraft. The F135 engine delivers over 40,000 pounds of thrust, making it the world’s most powerful fighter jet engine. It boasts advanced features such as low-observability, superior thermal management, and an integrated engine control system, providing a significant technological edge in modern combat scenarios. The engine’s design emphasizes reliability, ease of maintenance, and affordability, supported by a global sustainment network and advanced digital health monitoring. The F135 engine distinguishes itself from fourth-generation engines through enhanced power, thermal management, flight control integration, and signature management, enabling the F-35 to operate effectively in advanced anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) environments. This capability aligns with the U.S. National Defense Strategy by maintaining air superiority against adversaries. Pratt & Whitney highlights the