Allison Engine, Rolls-Royce's US engine subsidiary, is testing the fan rig for Lockheed Martin's X-35 Joint Strike Fighter demonstrator's propulsion system at its Indianapolis base. The LiftFan assembly, to be installed behind the cockpit, is the key to the short take-off vertical landing aircraft's vertical landing capability. The clutch and gearbox assemblies which interface with the LiftFan unit have also been tested by Allison. The X-35's maiden flight is scheduled to take place early in 2000.
Source: Flight International
