P&W's F135 Powers 1st F-35B Lightning II STOVL Flight Test

(East Hartford, Conn., June 11, 2008) -- Pratt & Whitney's F135 short-takeoff/vertical-landing (STOVL) propulsion system powered the F-35B Lightning II's first flight test today in Fort Worth, Texas. The successful flight took place at 11:17 a.m. and lasted for approximately 51 minutes. Pratt & Whitney is a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX) company.

"Powering the first flight of the F-35 STOVL aircraft is a momentous event for the F135 team," said Bill Gostic, Pratt & Whitney vice president, F135 engine programs. "This is a critical milestone for the STOVL flight test program, and brings us a step closer to production and getting the STOVL aircraft into the hands of our customers."


In talking about the F135 propulsion system powering the F-35 Lightning II, Test Pilot Graham Tomlinson said, "It's a big engine, and everyone likes to fly big engines."

Source : Pratt & Whitney

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