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Tests Begin for F135 STOVL Propulsion System for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida, April 16, 2004 - The F135 STOVL propulsion system team of Pratt & Whitney (P&W), Rolls-Royce and Hamilton Sundstrand has begun testing of the short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) engine configuration for the F-35B variant of the Joint Strike Fighter. Test engine FX641 was delivered ahead of schedule and follows the continued successes of conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) engines FX631 and FX633.

FX641 has run up to military power (full power without afterburner) in both vertical lift and up & away operating modes. STOVL mode involves engagement of the LiftFan and employment of the Roll Posts and 3 Bearing Swivel Module (3BSM). These initial tests will focus on the lift component effects on the main F135 engine and are expected to run through May.

Said Major General Jack Hudson, Program Executive Officer and Program Director, Joint Strike Fighter Program, “The STOVL propulsion system represents a significant technical challenge, and getting FX641 to test is a major accomplishment for the F135 team and the F-35 program. We look forward to a successful test program in West Palm Beach.”

“I am extremely proud and continue to be impressed with all this team has accomplished,” said P&W F135 Program Director, Bill Gostic. “Delivering this STOVL propulsion system to test involved the dedication of every individual on the team and many personal sacrifices. We are anxious to continue testing and meeting the customer requirements.”

Chris Cholerton, Program Director for Rolls-Royce, said, “This is a very exciting milestone and delivery ahead of schedule is a tremendous achievement by the team. We are delighted to bring our long-standing STOVL expertise to the team and we look forward to a successful test program.”

The F135 STOVL propulsion system team consists of Pratt & Whitney, the prime contractor with responsibility for the main engine and system integration; Rolls-Royce, providing the Lift System, incorporating the LiftFan, 3 Bearing Swivel Module and Roll Posts; and Hamilton-Sundstrand, provider of the F135’s control system, external accessories and gearbox. The F135 is an evolution of the F119 engine powering the F/A-22 Raptor. The F135 will power all versions of the F-35 – CTOL, CV, and STOVL. Among the aircraft the F-35 will replace are the AV-8B Harrier, A-10, F-16, F/A-18 and United Kingdom’s Harrier GR.7 and Sea Harrier.

Pratt & Whitney, a United Technologies company (NYSE:UTX), is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, industrial gas turbines and space propulsion systems.

Rolls-Royce is a leading provider of power systems for air, land and sea, and operates in four global markets – civil aerospace, defense aerospace, marine and energy.

Hamilton Sundstrand, also a UTC company, is among the world’s largest suppliers of technologically advanced aerospace and industrial products and a major supplier for international space programs.

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