The fiscal year 2024 appropriations package was signed into law Saturday and RTX‘s Pratt & Whitney subsidiary received full funding from the Department of Defense’s share to modernize the propulsion system of the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet.
RTX said Saturday that FY24 defense spending includes $497 million for Pratt & Whitney’s F135 Engine Core Upgrade, or F135 ECU, an initiative aimed at boosting the system’s durability and unlocking Block 4 capabilities and beyond.
The modernization, which is planned to transition to detailed design this year and to fielding in 2029, will be available to all F-35 operators and compatible with all three aircraft variants.
“This bill will allow Pratt & Whitney to deliver the current and future propulsion capabilities that will keep the United States and its allies on the cutting edge of fighter engine technology,” commented Jill Albertelli, president of Pratt & Whitney Military Engines.
