F-35 Engine delays, and remembering the last B-36
F-35 Engine delays, and remembering the last B-36
A critical engine upgrade gets pushed back and remembering the last Peacemaker rolling off the assembly line.
“Saving the lives of your fellow airmen is the most extraordinary kind of heroism that I know. “
-General Curtis E. LeMay
Mission Briefing
The F-35 Lighting already a marvel of modern engineering, is undergoing a significant - and much needed engine upgrade. The journey of this upgrade, however, is taking a slightly different flight path than initially planned. Initially, Pratt & Whitney, the manufacturer of the jet's F135 engine, had set their sights on a preliminary design review in January 2024. However, like a pilot adjusting course mid-flight, they've now rescheduled this key milestone to May 2024. This shift isn't due to turbulence but rather a deliberate addition of another level of review by the government, ensuring everything is in tip-top shape.
Now, let's zoom in on Pratt & Whitney's Engine Core Upgrade (ECU) program. Heather Uberuaga, a spokesperson for the company, confidently affirms that the ECU is progressing smoothly, staying on its charted course. This program is more than just an upgrade; it's a transformation, boosting the F-35 with greater power, thrust, and cooling capabilities. These enhancements are crucial for the fighter's Block 4 modernizations, which aim to amplify its weapons capacity, targeting precision, electronic warfare, and sensor systems.
Here's where it gets even more interesting. Instead of designing a brand-new engine, the decision was made to upgrade the existing F135 engines. It's like fine-tuning an already powerful machine to unleash its full potential. Jen Latka, the vice president for Pratt's F135 program, shares that the design phase of this upgrade is expected to wrap up by mid-2025, with testing commencing the following year. The goal? To have these upgraded engines ready for action by 2029.
But there's a twist in the tale. The funding for these upgrades hangs in the balance, with concerns about potential delays if the 2024 budget isn't passed. Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael Schmidt, overseeing the F-35 program, has flagged this as a critical issue. Despite these financial clouds, Latka remains optimistic, believing that even a prolonged budget resolution won't derail their 2029 delivery schedule.
Now, let's focus on the engine core itself. All F-35 variants, including the unique "B" model with its hovering capabilities, will receive essentially the same core upgrade. The plan is to swap out the engine cores across the fleet in about 18 months, a task manageable by military maintainers either at depots or possibly right on the flight line.
Finally, let's talk tech. Pratt & Whitney is leveraging cutting-edge digital design techniques for these F135 upgrades. By designing every part with a digital model, they're streamlining the process, aiming for efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and enhanced quality. This "digital thread" woven through each component isn't just about building better engines; it's also a tool for conducting more effective preventive maintenance. And the story doesn't end here. Jill Albertelli, President of Military Engines at Pratt & Whitney, reveals that the company is already looking ahead, planning to test prototypes of a next-generation adaptive propulsion engine for the Air Force's Next Generation Air Dominance fighter in the late 2020s. This is more than an upgrade; it's a leap into the future of military aviation.
This week in aviation history
12 February 1959: A true giant of the skies - the Convair B-36J-75-CF Peacemaker, serial number 52-2827 was the final ten-engine strategic bomber. The B-36 was a culmination of Convair Division's expertise at General Dynamics in Fort Worth, Texas. Completed on July 1, 1954, this behemoth of the airwaves joined the Strategic Air Command's 92nd Bombardment Wing at Fairchild Air Force Base, marking the end of an era in bomber design.
Fast forward to 1957, and the 52-2827 found a new home with the 95th Bombardment Wing at Biggs Air Force Base. This aircraft not only marked the end of production but also remained the last operational B-36, a title it held until its retirement.
On February 12, 1959, after serving for over four years, the Air Force bid farewell to this legendary bomber, returning it to Fort Worth. Major Frederick J. Winter, along with pilots Colonel Gerald M. Robinson and Captain Wilson P. Smith, led its final flight. The crew, carefully selected for this historic moment, included navigators, flight engineers, an observer, radio operators, gunners, and a crew chief. Joining them were ten members of the press, capturing this poignant moment in aviation history.
Landing at Amon Carter Field that afternoon, the Peacemaker's journey concluded with 1,414 hours and 50 minutes in the air. A ceremony with thousands in attendance marked its retirement, complete with the solemn sound of "Taps" as it was towed away.
Initially displayed at Amon Carter Field, this monumental aircraft eventually found a more suitable home for preservation at the Pima Air and Space Museum in Tucson, where it underwent restoration.
The 52-2827 is a distinguished member of the "Featherweight III" high altitude variants of the B-36, designed for efficiency with a reduced crew requirement. Its impressive dimensions and weight, coupled with its ten engines – six Pratt & Whitney Wasp Major C6 radials and four General Electric J47-GE-19 turbojets – highlight its formidable presence in the sky.
This Peacemaker, with its cruising speed of 230 mph and a max speed of 418 mph, was built to endure, having a service ceiling of 43,600 feet and a combat radius of nearly 4,000 miles. Originally designed in the World War II era without knowledge of nuclear weapons, it was equipped to carry a vast array of conventional and nuclear munitions, making it a force to be reckoned with.
The B-36 Peacemaker, a product of its time, never saw combat. Of the 384 built between 1946 and 1954, only four remain, standing as silent guardians of a bygone era in military aviation history.
In case you missed it
Here’s a little more info on the F-35’s engine upgrade, and the brief competition that was held:
Photo Outlet
Here’s an F-35 on its landing roll just after the main gear touched down:
Post Flight Debrief
That’s all for this week, thanks for reading! If you know a fellow aviation enthusiast that would enjoy these weekly newsletters, then please forward this along. Now you know!
-Tog