Pratt & Whitney officials say the company’s F135 Joint Strike Fighter engine has been cleared to power the F-35 Lightning II on its first flight. The F135 has achieved initial flight release from the F-35 joint program office after completing all tests and verification reports, according to an Oct. 23 company statement. The engine will power the F-35 conventional take-off and landing version. The F135 has amassed more than 6,000 hours in ground engine runs and completed full afterburner tests. Taxi tests are slated for later this fall.
President Donald Trump on July 4 signed into law $150 billion in defense funds as part of the tax-and-spending package known as the “One Big, Beautiful Bill” after congressional Republicans approved the legislation in narrow, drawn-out votes earlier this week.
