Pratt & Whitney's F119 engine powering the U.S. Air Force's F-22 Raptor, successfully reached its first hot section full-life capability of 4,325 total accumulated cycles (TACs), during a recent mission at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia. This achievement was made possible through an accelerated engine maturity program, using engines that "lead the fleet" to demonstrate full-life capability of F119 production engines. Pratt & Whitney is a United Technologies Corp. company.

"We are delighted with the exceptional performance of the F119, and are proud to partner with our U.S. Air Force customer on this important program," said Bennett Croswell, Vice President, F135/F119 Engine Programs, Pratt & Whitney. "Being able to conduct a full-life overhaul, years ahead of the remainder of the operational fleet, provides valuable insight and confidence on this fifth-generation engine, as well as the F135 engine, powering the F-35 Lightning II today."

The accelerated maturity program for the F119 engine, called "Compass Vector", is a partnership between Pratt & Whitney and the U.S. Air Force. These "lead the fleet" engines fly approximately two times the normal fly rate at operational bases in various environmental conditions. The advanced data collection from this program identifies sustainment opportunities aimed at maximizing readiness within the life cycle cost expectations for the entire F119 powered F-22 fleet.