fighters with the adaptive engine could also undermine interoperability among allied air forces. The prototypes won’t go into all three variants of the F-35, as they don’t support short takeoff and vertical landing capability of the Marine Corps’ F-35B variant. The program cost is only one hurdle for the AETP program. However, there will be an impact to engine life and increased sustainment costs as a result.” The current engine can support the upcoming Block 4 air vehicle and payload upgrades. services have spent over $7 billion upgrading the airframe and payloads. “At the same time, the average engine cost has been reduced by more than 50 to date. House members and sent to Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition William LaPlante last month, Aviation Week reported. “The F135 has outperformed its original specifications, including bleed air draw and time on wing, enabling it to support three major airframe and payload upgrades without engine modernization,” said a letter signed by 35 U.S. Compared to the F135, prototypes of the XA100 and the XA101 have already demonstrated a 25 percent increase in range, 10 percent increase in thrust, double power management, and are “performing beautifully,” Sneden told reporters last week.ĭespite the report card, some members of Congress say they’re not in favor of the engine replacement program that comes with an estimated $6 billion price tag. Last year, the service told Congress that about 15 percent of its fleet of 272 F-35A fighters were without engines, due to maintenance delays, Air Force Magazine reported.Ī new, adaptive engine for the F-35 would provide fuel efficiency that extends range, as well as increases thrust for combat missions, program officials say.
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