Pratt & Whitney's two derivative F119 engines for the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) have successfully completed the critical design review (CDR) phase, clearing the way for the start of full engine fabrication and testing.
The CDR began in August and concluded with final-review meetings with JSF programme director Brig Gen Leslie Kenne on 6 and 7 November. "The result was a unanimous go-ahead to take the first engine to test next spring," says P&W, which won the JSF contract in December 1996.
Fabrication of the first components for the concept-demonstrator aircraft (CDA) engines began in May when the first chips were cut from titanium forgings which are now being shaped into integrally bladed-rotor fans.
Large structural castings have also been poured for both engines, the SE614 with a larger fan for Boeing's X-32 CDA and the SE611 for Lockheed Martin's X-35 CDA. Initial assembly of both began in October. Ground-tests are scheduled for late February 1998, which is almost two months ahead of the original timetable.
The two JSF CDAs are to be flown in 2000 by Boeing and Lockheed Martin. The SE611 and SE614 are derivatives of the F119 developed for the Lockheed Martin/Boeing F-22 Raptor.
Source: Flight International
