It’s official: The F-35 will not get a new engine anytime soon

It’s official: The F-35 will not get a new engine anytime soon
It’s official: The F-35 will not get a new engine anytime soon

After rancorous debate, a new engine for the stealth fighter was already in doubt, but legislation released by congressional appropriators today seemingly puts the issue to rest.

Pratt & Whitney targets 2029 for upgraded F-35 engine deliveries

Pratt & Whitney targets 2029 for upgraded F-35 engine deliveries
Pratt & Whitney targets 2029 for upgraded F-35 engine deliveries

“Like all programs, the continuing resolution has the potential to have an impact. We have not worked through all the details if we had a sequestration scenario,” Pratt & Whitney’s Jennifer Latka said about a stalled budget on Capitol Hill. “What I know now is that our schedule is on track, that we have identified funding to continue, and that’s not to say that that situation cannot change.”

From a suspected spy balloon to a missing plane: 5 air warfare stories from 2023

From a suspected spy balloon to a missing plane: 5 air warfare stories from 2023
From a suspected spy balloon to a missing plane: 5 air warfare stories from 2023

“How in the hell do you lose an F-35?”

As third test phase for XA100 adaptive engine wraps, GE mutes F-35 pitch

As third test phase for XA100 adaptive engine wraps, GE mutes F-35 pitch
As third test phase for XA100 adaptive engine wraps, GE mutes F-35 pitch

“Our objectives really are continuing to mature adaptive engine technology for a variety of platforms to continue to keep the industrial base healthy and strong,” said GE Aerospace’s David Tweedie.

As regional tensions rise, US defense firms still bound for Dubai Airshow

As regional tensions rise, US defense firms still bound for Dubai Airshow
As regional tensions rise, US defense firms still bound for Dubai Airshow

“It feels a little like the uncertainty around COVID, but no companies are pulling out,” Eric Fanning, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Aerospace Industries Association, told Breaking Defense.

Army begins new engine acceptance for FARA prototypes

Army begins new engine acceptance for FARA prototypes
Army begins new engine acceptance for FARA prototypes

“Both engines are on-track to be delivered by the government to the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) competitive prototype vendors by the end of October 2023,” the Army wrote in a press release today.

3 US aerospace primes actively facing off for Navy’s next-gen strike fighter, F/A-XX

3 US aerospace primes actively facing off for Navy’s next-gen strike fighter, F/A-XX
3 US aerospace primes actively facing off for Navy’s next-gen strike fighter, F/A-XX

The Navy confirms Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman are officially vying for the right to build its next-gen fighter.

In reversal, Air Force wants prototype NGAD engines from both Pratt and GE: Official

In reversal, Air Force wants prototype NGAD engines from both Pratt and GE: Official
In reversal, Air Force wants prototype NGAD engines from both Pratt and GE: Official

“[R]ight now with the way we’re funded, we think we can carry both [companies] through prototype, and both are leaning in fully. And so then we’ll let the prototype and test do the evaluation,” Air Force propulsion chief John Sneden said.

Air Force’s Kendall says servicemembers held ‘hostage’ by Tuberville confirmation blockade

Air Force’s Kendall says servicemembers held ‘hostage’ by Tuberville confirmation blockade
Air Force’s Kendall says servicemembers held ‘hostage’ by Tuberville confirmation blockade

Beyond politics, the Air Force Secretary weighed in on key items in the defense budget, citing concerns about potential cuts to NGAD funding and unnecessary bumps to an alternate F-35 engine.

HAC-D chair throws cold water on new F-35 engine, won’t talk DoD supplemental until budget set

HAC-D chair throws cold water on new F-35 engine, won’t talk DoD supplemental until budget set
HAC-D chair throws cold water on new F-35 engine, won’t talk DoD supplemental until budget set

House appropriators do give money to the AETP program in their draft of fiscal 2024’s defense appropriations bill, but another lawmaker says that it’s just a “backup” and for research purposes.

India’s Modi to leave Washington with host of defense, tech agreements in his wake

India’s Modi to leave Washington with host of defense, tech agreements in his wake
India’s Modi to leave Washington with host of defense, tech agreements in his wake

“We intend to support India in the creation of logistics, repair, and maintenance infrastructure for aircraft and ships… that is obviously something that will be important as we work together to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder.

Pratt blasts Lockheed’s ‘confusing and misleading’ adaptive engine advocacy (Exclusive)

Pratt blasts Lockheed’s ‘confusing and misleading’ adaptive engine advocacy (Exclusive)
Pratt blasts Lockheed’s ‘confusing and misleading’ adaptive engine advocacy (Exclusive)

In a high-profile public spat with little precedence between the airframe and engine giants, Pratt & Whitney executives are formally accusing Lockheed Martin of prioritizing its own bottom line by seeking an adaptive engine solution for the Joint Strike Fighter.

Lockheed backs new AETP engine for F-35

Lockheed backs new AETP engine for F-35
Lockheed backs new AETP engine for F-35

“I’m going to advocate, and I do advocate, for [the Adaptive Engine Transition Program, or AETP],” said Lockheed Martin aeronautics chief Greg Ulmer, who labeled “some” current approaches to the fighter’s engine modernization as “short-sighted.”

After being axed by the Pentagon, alternate F-35 engine sees funding in key NDAA draft

After being axed by the Pentagon, alternate F-35 engine sees funding in key NDAA draft
After being axed by the Pentagon, alternate F-35 engine sees funding in key NDAA draft

“We did the AETP line to keep that technology going as we head into sixth-generation aircraft that the Air Force and Navy are hoping to field in the 2030s,” a senior congressional aide said of the decision to seek continued funding for AETP.