RTX's Pratt & Whitney F135 engine surpasses 1 million flight hours

Core Insights - The F135 engine has surpassed one million flight hours, establishing itself as the safest and most reliable fighter engine for the F-35 Lightning II, which has been in operation since 2006 [1][4] - The F135 engine maintains a full mission capability rate of over 94% and has a safety record significantly better than previous generations of fighter engines [1][2] - Pratt & Whitney has delivered over 1,300 F135 production engines to 20 allied nations, highlighting its global reach and commitment to military readiness [4] Operational Readiness - The F135 sustainment network supports multiple global depot facilities, 36 bases, and 12 ships, facilitating Agile Combat Employment, which enhances survivability and combat power [2] - The engine's infrastructure allows for continuous movement, logistics efficiencies, and specialized maintenance skills, essential for modern military operations [2] Future Developments - The F-35 modernization will require enhanced engine performance, which Pratt & Whitney plans to address through the Engine Core Upgrade (ECU), building on the F135's successful track record [3]