Powering the future of the F-35
Proven. Capable. Retrofittable.
Pratt & Whitney’s F135 Engine Core Upgrade (ECU) delivers the durability and performance needed to enable Block 4 capabilities and beyond. Easily retrofittable in all F-35 variants, ECU is the only engine that offers all global F-35 operators the additional power and thermal management capacity needed to enable next-generation weapons systems and sensors. Utilizing cutting-edge technologies developed for advanced programs, ECU ensures the F-35 Lightning II remains the most advanced fighter for decades to come.
Why ECU?
Proven track record
The ECU builds on the architecture of the F135 – a proven engine with over 860,000 recorded flight hours and 20 years of reliable performance.
Variant common
Commonality enables agility within the F-35 program. The ECU is the only engine upgrade that supports all three variants of the F-35 while leveraging existing production, supply chain and maintenance infrastructure to ensure global readiness.
Advancing technology
ECU leverages proven technology from the Navy’s Fuel Burn Reduction program and other cutting-edge advanced development programs to support the modernization needs of the F-35.
Retrofittable
As the only “drop in” propulsion modernization solution available to the F-35, ECU’s retrofittable design allows for upgrades to already fielded F-35s and new production F-35s, ensuring a common, capable fleet for all users.
Economically impactful
The F135 program contributed more than $2.2 billion to the U.S. economy in 2023. ECU for the F-35 protects existing U.S. infrastructure investments and creates new skilled labor and engineering jobs year-over-year to support program growth.